Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata'
(Scaly Male Fern 'Cristata')
Family - Dryopteridaceae
Category - Fern
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H5
Height - up to 1.2m
Width - 90cm
Location - The Stumpery, The Woodland Walk
Description: A semi-Evergreen to Evergreen fern that forms shuttlecock-like rosettes. Dark green, arching fronds are bipinnate with crested leaflets (pinnae). Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata' will retain its foliage year-round, but the fronds fade to pale green in winter and may suffer frost damage.
Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Synonym - Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata the King'
Foliage:
Arching, dark green, bipinnate fronds with pinnatisect leaflets (pinnae) that are crested at the tips.
Foliage Senescence: Semi-evergreen to evergreen
Foliage Shape: Bipinnate fronds
Propagation:
Spores, division.
Cultivation:
Best in partial shade to shade in moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.