Overview
Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata' is a clump forming ferns in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata' grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and neutral and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden.
About
Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata' is an evergreen to semi-evergreen fern cultivar within the Dryopteris genus, known for its clump-forming habit. Like other Dryopteris ferns, it thrives in moist, humus-rich soil under shaded conditions, favouring sheltered sites with neutral to acidic clay or loam soils. This cultivar is suitable for west, east, or north-facing aspects and is hardy to UK zone H6. It is best used in cottage and informal gardens, offering seasonal interest in spring and summer with its robust fronds forming attractive rosettes.
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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata'
- Propagation
- Propagate by division or from spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata'?
Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata' prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata' need?
Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata' grows best in clay and loam soil. It prefers neutral and acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata' hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata'?
Propagate by division or from spores.
