(syn. Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata The King’)
Family Dryopteridaceae
Originating from Europe to Himalayas
An extremely handsome fern producing a shuttlecock of long, arching fronds up to 1.2m in length. These emerge pale green as they unfurl in spring, contrasting admirably with the dark brown scaly mid rib, maturing to dark green as the season progresses The fronds are crested at the tips of each pinnae (leaflet) and at the apex. Cristata remains evergreen in most winters in the UK.
Grow in humus rich soil in shade. Will tolerate a sunnier position than other species.
Eventual mature plant size :
Height 1m
Spread 1m