Overview
Dryopteris affinis is a tufted ferns in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Dryopteris affinis grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds. It is native to Flanders and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
About
Dryopteris affinis, the scaly male fern or golden-scaled male fern, is a fern native to western and southern Europe and southwestern Asia. It is most abundant on moist soils in woodlands in areas with high humidity, such as the British Isles and western France. In the Mediterranean region and the Caucasus it is confined to high altitudes. It grows to around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying semi evergreen foliage. Grow it in full shade, full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dryopteris affinis
About the genus
Dryopteris, commonly called the wood ferns, male ferns, or buckler ferns, is a fern genus in the family Dryopteridaceae, subfamily Dryopteridoideae, according to the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016 (PPG I). There are about 300-400 species in the genus. The species are distributed in Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Pacific islands, with the highest diversity in eastern Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Dryopteris", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dryopteris
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dryopteris
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Dryopteris affinis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris affinis
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; benefits from mulching to retain moisture
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring to maintain appearance and encourage new growth
- Propagation
- Division, Spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Dryopteris affinis?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; benefits from mulching to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris affinis?
Dryopteris affinis prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris affinis need?
Dryopteris affinis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Dryopteris affinis?
Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring to maintain appearance and encourage new growth.
How big does Dryopteris affinis grow?
Dryopteris affinis reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Dryopteris affinis hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris affinis has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Dryopteris affinis?
Division, Spores.
More in the Dryopteris genus
Browse all Dryopteris →
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