Dryopteris affinis (Golden Male Fern)
Award-winning Dryopteris affinis (Golden Male Fern) is a robust semi-evergreen fern forming a rosette of finely cut, arching fronds from an erect, stout rhizome. Arising in shuttlecock-like clusters, the fronds are bright chartreuse-green when they unfurl in spring, in contrast to the scaly, golden-brown midribs.
Award-winning Dryopteris affinis (Golden Male Fern) is a robust semi-evergreen fern forming a rosette of finely cut, arching fronds from an erect, stout rhizome. Arising in shuttlecock-like clusters, the fronds are bright chartreuse-green when they unfurl in spring, in contrast to the scaly, golden-brown midribs. Providing an elegant display, they mature to rich green later and often remain green through winter. Golden Male Fern is similar to Dryopteris filix-mas (Male Fern), but differs in having a small black dot at the base of each pinna where it joins the rachis. Easily grown, Dryopteris affinis is attractive in almost any garden situation. Evergreen in mild climates.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
- Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm) and will reliably reappear year after year.
- Performs best in part shade or full shade in moist and well-drained soils. Will tolerate full sun if provided plenty of moisture. Drought tolerant once established.
- This plant is a great choice for shady beds and borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage gardens, or woodlands .
- Virtually pest and disease free.
- Remove faded fronds regularly and divide plants when crowded.
- Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring
- Native to Europe and Asia
Requirements
Hardiness | 6 – 8 |
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Heat Zones | 6 – 8 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Ferns |
Plant Family | Dryopteris – Ferns |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
Height | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
Spread | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
Spacing | 36″ – 48″ (90cm – 120cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Tolerance | Drought |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |