Elegant hardy fern with upright, finely divided fronds, bringing lush woodland texture & natural structure to shaded gardens and borders.
Dryopteris cristata, commonly known as the Crested Wood Fern or Scaly Male Fern, is a hardy perennial fern valued for its tall, upright fronds and refined foliage texture. The rich green fronds rise from a central crown, creating a strong vertical presence while maintaining the soft, natural look typical of woodland ferns. Its neatly structured growth makes it especially useful for adding height and contrast among lower shade-loving plants. Mature plants typically reach 60–90cm tall with a similar spread, forming an attractive clump ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders and naturalistic planting schemes.
Supplied as strong, well-established 11cm (1L) rootball plants, available in sets of 3 or 6, these are healthy, garden-ready ferns prepared for reliable establishment. Professionally grown in peat-free compost at our UK nursery in Yorkshire and delivered in plastic-free packaging, they provide a sustainable way to introduce classic fern structure and low-maintenance greenery into shaded outdoor spaces.
Cultural Information
- Botanical Name: Dryopteris cristata
- Common Name: Crested Wood Fern, Scaly Male Fern
- Plant Type: Hardy Deciduous Fern
- Rootball Size: 11cm / 1 Litre
- Mature Height: Approx. 60–90 cm
- Mature Spread: Approx. 45–75 cm
- Growth Habit: Upright, Clump-Forming
- Foliage: Deep Green, Finely Divided Upright Fronds
- Seasonal Interest: Fresh foliage in spring through autumn
- Planting Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade
- Soil Type: Moist, Humus-Rich, Well-Drained Soil
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, particularly during establishment
- Maintenance: Remove old fronds in early spring to allow fresh growth
- Hardiness: Fully Hardy in Most UK Conditions
- Best Uses: Woodland Gardens, Shaded Borders, Naturalistic Planting, Underplanting Trees & Shrubs