Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata' (Scaly male fern 'Congesta Cristata')

Botanical name

Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata'

Other names

Scaly male fern 'Congesta Cristata'

Genus

Dryopteris Dryopteris

Variety or Cultivar

'Congesta Cristata' _ 'Congesta Cristata' is a dwarf, semi-evergreen fern forming a congested rosette of erect to arching, lance-shaped dark green fronds, pale green when young in spring, and heavily crested at each frond apex.

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Habit

Compact

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Colour

Foliage

Yellow-green in Spring; Dark-green in All seasons

General care

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged fronds.

Propagation methods

Division, Spores

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata' (Scaly male fern 'Congesta Cristata') will reach a height of 0.2m and a spread of 0.2m 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. Will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerates dry shade if watered regularly in their first season and mulched well.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but 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