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Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata' (Scaly male fern 'Cristata')
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 'Cristata'
Other names
Scaly male fern 'Cristata', Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata The King' , Golden shield fern 'Cristata', Dryopteris pseudomas 'Cristata', Dryopteris borreri 'Cristata', Narrow crested golden-scaled male fern, Golden male fern , Dryopteris Cristata The King
Genus
Dryopteris Dryopteris
Variety or Cultivar
'Cristata' _ 'Cristata' is a large, semi-evergreen fern forming a rosette of erect, arching, crested fronds that open golden-green when young and turn bright green as they mature.
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata' is: Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump-forming, Spreading
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Foliage
Green, Gold in Spring; Bright-green in Summer; Bright-green in Autumn; Bright-green in Winter
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds when needed.
Propagation methods
Division, Spores
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Where to grow
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata' (Scaly male fern 'Cristata') 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. 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
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata'
Other names
Scaly male fern 'Cristata', Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata The King' , Golden shield fern 'Cristata', Dryopteris pseudomas 'Cristata', Dryopteris borreri 'Cristata', Narrow crested golden-scaled male fern, Golden male fern , Dryopteris Cristata The King
Genus
Dryopteris Dryopteris
Variety or Cultivar
'Cristata' _ 'Cristata' is a large, semi-evergreen fern forming a rosette of erect, arching, crested fronds that open golden-green when young and turn bright green as they mature.
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump-forming, Spreading
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Foliage
Green, Gold in Spring; Bright-green in Summer; Bright-green in Autumn; Bright-green in Winter
General care
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds when needed.
Propagation methods
Division, Spores
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata' (Scaly male fern 'Cristata') 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. 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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