Overview
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata the King' is a fern in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family. Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata the King' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include woodland gardens, shaded borders and ground cover. 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.
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
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained, humus-rich
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata the King' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fern
- Suggested uses
- woodland gardens, shaded borders, ground cover
- Native to
- Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata the King'
- Cultivation
- Prefers shaded, sheltered positions with moist, humus-rich soil. Avoid direct sunlight.
- Pruning
- Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to encourage new growth.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or spore propagation
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata the King'?
Prefers shaded, sheltered positions with moist, humus-rich soil. Avoid direct sunlight.
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata the King'?
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata the King' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata the King' need?
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata the King' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, well-drained and humus-rich. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata the King'?
Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to encourage new growth.
Is Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata the King' hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata the King' 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 the King'?
Division in spring or spore propagation.
More in the Dryopteris genus
Browse all Dryopteris →
Last updated