Dryopteris filix-mas - male fern

Position: partial shade

Soil: moist, humus-rich soil

Rate of growth: average

Hardiness: fully hardy A native, male fern found naturally in moist woodlands around the UK. This large, deciduous fern has feathery, green fronds which form a distinctive, shuttlecock shape and turn coppery in autumn. It makes a fine companion for shade-loving woodland plants, especially other ferns, and when its leaves die back, the space can be filled with early flowering spring bulbs such as snowdrops.

Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole. Cut back dead fronds in winter.