Elegant hardy fern with upright, finely divided fronds, bringing lush woodland texture & natural structure to shaded gardens and borders.

Dryopteris cristata, commonly known as the Crested Wood Fern or Scaly Male Fern, is a hardy perennial fern valued for its tall, upright fronds and refined foliage texture. The rich green fronds rise from a central crown, creating a strong vertical presence while maintaining the soft, natural look typical of woodland ferns. Its neatly structured growth makes it especially useful for adding height and contrast among lower shade-loving plants. Mature plants typically reach 60–90cm tall with a similar spread, forming an attractive clump ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders and naturalistic planting schemes.

Supplied as strong, well-established 11cm (1L) rootball plants, available in sets of 3 or 6, these are healthy, garden-ready ferns prepared for reliable establishment. Professionally grown in peat-free compost at our UK nursery in Yorkshire and delivered in plastic-free packaging, they provide a sustainable way to introduce classic fern structure and low-maintenance greenery into shaded outdoor spaces.

Cultural Information

• Botanical Name: Dryopteris cristata
• Common Name: Crested Wood Fern, Scaly Male Fern
• Plant Type: Hardy Deciduous Fern
• Rootball Size: 11cm / 1 Litre
• Mature Height: Approx. 60–90 cm
• Mature Spread: Approx. 45–75 cm
• Growth Habit: Upright, Clump-Forming
• Foliage: Deep Green, Finely Divided Upright Fronds
• Seasonal Interest: Fresh foliage in spring through autumn
• Planting Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade
• Soil Type: Moist, Humus-Rich, Well-Drained Soil
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, particularly during establishment
• Maintenance: Remove old fronds in early spring to allow fresh growth
• Hardiness: Fully Hardy in Most UK Conditions
• Best Uses: Woodland Gardens, Shaded Borders, Naturalistic Planting, Underplanting Trees & Shrubs