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Dryopteris affinis (Scaly male fern)
1 hour care
per year
per year
1.5m
Max height
Max height
1m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Dryopteris affinis
Other names
Scaly male fern, Golden shield fern , Dryopteris pseudomas , Dryopteris borreri
Genus
Dryopteris Dryopteris
Species
D. affinis - D. affinis is a semi-evergreen fern. Its feathery fronds emerge yellow-green, maturing to deep green, and are arranged in an upright rosette.
Dryopteris affinis is: Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump-forming, Spreading
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Foliage
Yellow-green in Spring; Green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds.
Propagation methods
Division, Spores
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Where to grow
Dryopteris affinis (Scaly male fern) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Underplanting, Wildflower, Foliage only
Cultivation
Easy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Dryopteris affinis
Other names
Scaly male fern, Golden shield fern , Dryopteris pseudomas , Dryopteris borreri
Genus
Dryopteris Dryopteris
Species
D. affinis - D. affinis is a semi-evergreen fern. Its feathery fronds emerge yellow-green, maturing to deep green, and are arranged in an upright rosette.
Native to
Europe, Himalayas, Western Asia
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump-forming, Spreading
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Foliage
Yellow-green in Spring; Green in All seasons
General care
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds.
Propagation methods
Division, Spores
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Dryopteris affinis (Scaly male fern) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Underplanting, Wildflower, Foliage only
Cultivation
Easy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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