Golden Scaled Male Fern

Dryopteris affinis, commonly known as the Golden Scaled Male Fern, is a robust, semi-evergreen to deciduous fern native to the British Isles and western Europe. This striking fern can reach up to 1.2 meters in height and spread, forming a handsome, architectural clump. Its defining feature is the prominent golden-brown scales that adorn the rhizomes, stipes, and midribs, especially noticeable on the emerging croziers in spring. The fronds are a rich, dark green, somewhat leathery in texture and bipinnate. It's incredibly adaptable, tolerating a range of soil types and aspects, though it thrives best in moist, shaded conditions, making it ideal for woodland gardens or naturalised areas.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.