6 Scaly Male Fern – Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata' – Hardy Evergreen Perennial

Bring a touch of woodland elegance to your garden with this collection of six Scaly Male Fern plants in the sought-after 'Cristata' form. Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata' is a beautiful, clump-forming evergreen fern prized for its distinctive crested frond tips, which add texture and interest throughout the year. The rich green, shuttlecock-shaped fronds unfurl in spring with attractive golden-brown scales along the midribs, creating a striking display from the moment new growth appears.

This robust and reliable fern thrives in shaded and partially shaded positions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shady borders, north-facing beds, and beneath established trees and shrubs. Once established, it requires very little maintenance and will reward you with handsome, architectural foliage year after year.

What's Included:

• 6 x Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata' (Scaly Male Fern) plants


• Each supplied in a 1 litre root-ball, well-rooted and ready for planting

Planting Tips:

Plant in a sheltered, shaded or partially shaded spot in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Space plants approximately 60–80 cm apart to allow each fern room to develop its natural shuttlecock shape. Mulch around the base in spring with leaf mould or well-rotted compost to help retain moisture and enrich the soil. Remove any old or damaged fronds in late winter before new croziers begin to unfurl in spring.

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata'


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


• Classification: Hardy Evergreen Perennial Fern


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


• Growth Habit: Clump-Forming, Upright Shuttlecock-Shaped Fern


• Perfect For: Woodland Gardens, Shaded Borders, North-Facing Beds, Containers, Under Trees & Shrubs


• Planting Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade


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


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (tolerates UK winters)


• Type: Hardy Evergreen Perennial


• Foliage: Rich Green Fronds with Crested Tips and Golden-Brown Scales on Midribs


• Season of Interest: Year-Round Evergreen Foliage; New Croziers in Spring

Notes: The 'Cristata' form is distinguished by its elegantly crested and ruffled frond tips, giving a fuller, more ornamental appearance compared to the standard species. These ferns are well-suited to creating a lush, low-maintenance planting scheme in areas of the garden where many other plants may struggle.