Alphabetical Plant Listing

Dryopteris affinis (Golden Male Fern)

Golden Shield Fern, Scaly Male Fern, Golden-Scaled Male Fern, Golden Male Fern, Dryopteris pseudomas


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

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Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 8
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

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 8
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

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