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Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Crispa Cristata’, an exceptional crested hardy fern.
Received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
- Fantastically lush, semi-evergreen ruffled green fronds terminate in a unique, heavily tufted shape.
- Cute, curly, and frilly leaflets overlap densely near the base of the sturdy central leaf stems.
- Easy to grow and adaptable. It tolerates full sun with plenty of moisture and thrives in any soil.
The Cristate Male Fern In Your Garden
Forget boring, flat foliage layout schemes. This exceptional variety brings an incredible explosion of highly detailed texture. Its frilled, mossy character completely changes the vibe of dark corners. The uniquely crested tips catch the light beautifully, creating a rich sense of depth in low-light spaces.
This reliable, semi-evergreen selection is fully hardy in UK gardens. It reaches 1m tall by 50cm wide over 5 to 10 years. It provides a rarefied structure to architectural woodland layouts. It looks right at home nestled in traditional damp garden borders or rocky shade streams. Perfect for pots, its intricacy can be viewed up close when placed on patios.
The crowded, heavily textured growth form provides a sensational playground for creative modern designers. Use its rich, lime-tinted geometric curves to offset large-leaved hostas. It functions perfectly as an upright architectural accent in dark urban courtyards. Its tidy habit, lasting through mild winters, adds long-lasting structure to small container spaces.
Did you know?
The male fern has a rich history in European folklore. Historically, its hidden seeds were rumoured to grant invisibility on Midsummer Eve.
Its species name, filix-mas, literally translates to male fern. This name reflects its ancient reputation for toughness, resilience, and structural robustness compared to more delicate species.
Growing Tips for Your Cristate Male Fern
- Soil and Sun: Grow in full or partial shade in any moist, well-drained soil. It tolerates sun with plenty of water.
- Planting: At any time of year. Do not add heavy soil improvers.
- Watering and Care: Keep consistently moist while establishing. Provide extra water during dry summer spells.
- Pruning: Remove old, damaged fronds in late winter. This allows fresh spring growth to emerge cleanly.
Thanks to the Victorian fern-collecting craze, this variety was found and cultivated from a naturally growing mutation. It has been in the nursery trade for about 170 years and is considered a ‘double curiosity’ fern because of its many divided leaflets. While typical woodland selections lack a distinct physical definition, this cultivar stands out. It anchors shady garden zones with beautiful, architectural elegance.
