Overview
Dryopteris filix-mas is a tufted ferns in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with deciduous 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 filix-mas grows best in full shade 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.
About
Dryopteris filix-mas, commonly known as male fern, is a tufted deciduous fern belonging to the Dryopteridaceae family. It typically grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 5 to 10 years. This fern thrives in full or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a wide pH range from acid to alkaline. It prefers moist but well-drained or poorly-drained soils and can be grown in both exposed and sheltered locations. Dryopteris filix-mas is low maintenance and remains of interest throughout the winter season.
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
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Dryopteris filix-mas size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris filix-mas
- Propagation
- Division, Spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris filix-mas?
Dryopteris filix-mas prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris filix-mas need?
Dryopteris filix-mas 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 to poorly-drained.
How big does Dryopteris filix-mas grow?
Dryopteris filix-mas 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 filix-mas hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris filix-mas 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 filix-mas?
Division, Spores.
More in the Dryopteris genus
Browse all Dryopteris →
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