Male Fern – Dryopteris Affinis / Montana

A classic and dependable British native fern, the Male Fern (Dryopteris affinis) is one of the most versatile and easy-to-grow ferns available. Prized for its elegant, shuttlecock-shaped rosette of arching, lance-shaped fronds, this hardy perennial brings lush, verdant texture to even the most challenging shaded areas of the garden. The unfurling croziers in spring are particularly attractive, adorned with distinctive golden-brown scales along the stems that catch the light beautifully.

Thriving in dappled shade and woodland conditions, Dryopteris affinis is an excellent choice for planting beneath trees, along shady borders, or in moist, sheltered corners where many other plants struggle. Once established, it is remarkably low-maintenance and will reward you year after year with its graceful, architectural form. This semi-evergreen fern retains much of its foliage through milder winters, providing valuable structure and greenery when the rest of the garden has faded.

What's Included

• 3 or 6 x Male Fern (Dryopteris Affinis / Montana) supplied in 1 Litre root-balls, ready for planting

Key Features

• Hardy, reliable perennial fern – perfect for UK gardens
• Elegant shuttlecock-shaped habit with gracefully arching fronds
• Attractive golden-brown scales on emerging spring croziers
• Ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens, north-facing walls and containers
• Semi-evergreen foliage provides year-round interest in milder areas
• Low-maintenance once established – requires minimal care
• Excellent for underplanting beneath trees and shrubs

Planting Suggestions

Plant in a sheltered, shaded or partially shaded position in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Incorporate plenty of organic matter such as leaf mould or garden compost at planting time to help retain moisture. Water regularly during the first growing season to help the roots establish. Remove any old or damaged fronds in early spring before the new croziers begin to unfurl. A mulch of leaf mould or bark chippings applied in spring will help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Cultural Information

• Botanical Name: Dryopteris affinis


• Common Names: Golden Male Fern, Scaly Male Fern, Golden-scaled Male Fern


• Classification: Hardy semi-evergreen perennial fern


• Fully Grown Height & Spread: 60–90 cm × 60–90 cm


• Growth Habit: Upright, shuttlecock-shaped rosette with arching fronds


• Perfect For: Shady Borders, Woodland Gardens, North-Facing Walls, Containers, Underplanting


• Planting Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade


• Soil Type: Moist, Humus-Rich, Well-Drained


• Type: Hardy Semi-Evergreen Perennial Fern


• Foliage: Mid-Green, Lance-Shaped Fronds with Golden-Brown Scales on Stems


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy


• Native To: UK & Europe

Notes: This listing is for the Affinis / Montana variety of Male Fern, supplied as a set of three plants in 1 litre root-balls. Ferns are supplied as growing plants and may vary slightly in size and appearance depending on the time of year.