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My Plants List
Create your own plant list and get plant care reminders direct to your inbox!
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Beginner
skill rating |
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1m
max. spread |
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1.5m
max. height |
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5-10 years
to maturity |
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1 hour care
per year |
Botanical name: Dryopteris filix-mas
Other names: Male fern, Basket fern, Shield fern, Dryopteris filix mas
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Genus: Dryopteris
Species: D. filix-mas - D. filix-mas is a semi-evergreen fern, with dark green fronds and orange-brown scales.
Dryopteris filix-mas is: Semi evergreen
Flower: Insignificant or absent in All seasons
Foliage: Dark-green in Summer
Fruit: Cream in Summer
Habit: Clump-forming
Awards: RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Plant with:
Blechnum spicant (Hard fern), Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Robusta' (Boston ivy 'Robusta')
Dryopteris filix-mas (Male fern) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 5-10 years.
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Suggested uses: Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Underplanting, Wildflower, Foliage only
Cultivation: Plant in a cool, moist, lightly shaded site or in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in the first season and mulch well.
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| Soil types: |
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) |
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| Soil drainage: |
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained |
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| Soil pH: |
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
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| Light: |
Partial Shade, Full Shade |
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| Aspect: |
North, South, East, West |
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| Exposure: |
Exposed, Sheltered |
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| Hardiness: |
Hardy (H4) |
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Discuss Dryopteris filix-mas (Male fern) with other Shoot members.
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Comment from
Miriam Mesa-Villalba
It is the native fern most widely found in gardens. Unlike many ferns, they can tolerate drier conditions and well-drained sandy soils.
The rhizomes can be useful hibernating sites for small creatures over the winter. Some ground beetles may be found in the foliage litter and ladybirds may shelter among the fronds. The small angle shades moth is associated with this fern in the wild.
- Views: 177
- Replies: 0
- Posted: Sat. 6th June 2009 11:42
We list 29 suppliers who tell us they sell Dryopteris filix-mas (Male fern). In order to see the list you'll need to either register or log in as a full member.
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