Overview
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Beeches' is a clump forming ferns in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Beeches' grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include underplanting of roses and shrubs, flower borders and beds, cottage and informal garden and low maintenance.
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.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dryopteris
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Beeches' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Beeches'
- Propagation
- Division, Spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Beeches'?
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Beeches' prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Beeches' need?
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Beeches' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, clay, sand and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Beeches' hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Beeches' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Beeches'?
Division, Spores.
More in the Dryopteris genus
- Dryopterisshield fern
- Dryopteris affinisscaly male fern
- Dryopteris affinis 'Congesta Cristata'
- Dryopteris affinis 'Revolvens'scaly male fern 'Revolvens'
- Dryopteris cycadinashaggy shield fern
- Dryopteris dickinsii
- Dryopteris erythrosoracopper shield fern
- Dryopteris expansa
