Add graceful texture and year-round interest to shaded areas of your garden with this collection of three Dryopteris affinis 'Linearis Polydactyla' ferns. Widely regarded as one of the most elegant of all hardy ferns, this RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) variety produces stunning shuttlecock-shaped crowns of finely divided, narrow fronds, each tipped with delicate, finger-like crests. The result is a beautifully airy, lace-like effect that brings movement and sophistication to woodland plantings, shaded borders, and north-facing beds.

These ferns are semi-evergreen in most UK gardens, often retaining attractive foliage well into winter before fresh golden-green croziers unfurl in spring. Exceptionally low-maintenance and long-lived, they thrive in damp, shaded conditions where many other plants struggle, making them an invaluable addition to any garden.

What's Included:

• 3 or 6 x Dryopteris affinis 'Linearis Polydactyla' plants, each supplied in a 1 litre pot with an established root ball, ready for planting out or potting on.

Planting and Care:

• Plant in a sheltered position in partial to full shade.


• Prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Dig in plenty of leaf mould or garden compost at planting time.


• Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system.


• In late winter or early spring, cut back any old or damaged fronds to ground level to make way for fresh new growth.


• Mulch annually with organic matter to retain moisture and enrich the soil.


• No regular feeding is required, though a light application of general-purpose fertiliser in spring can encourage vigorous growth.

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Dryopteris affinis 'Linearis Polydactyla'


• Common Names: Golden-scaled Male Fern, Narrow Male Fern, Polydactyla Fern


• Classification: Hardy Semi-evergreen Perennial Fern


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


• Growth Habit: Upright, Shuttlecock-forming with Gracefully Arching Fronds


• Perfect for: Woodland Gardens, Shaded Borders, North-facing Beds, Under Trees, Containers


• Foliage: Finely Divided, Narrow Fronds with Fingered, Crested Tips; Golden-green in Spring, Maturing to Mid-green


• Planting Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade, Sheltered


• Soil Type: Moist, Humus-rich, Well-drained


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (RHS H7)


• RHS Award of Garden Merit: Yes


• Attracts: Provides Shelter for Garden Wildlife and Ground-dwelling Invertebrates

Notes: This listing is for the Linearis Polydactyla variety, prized for its exceptionally fine, lace-like fronds and distinctive crested tips that set it apart from the common male fern.