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Photo by Far Reaches Farm

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Buy Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata'

Also Known As

Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata The King'
Dryopteris affinis 'The King'
Dryopteris filix-mas 'Cristata the King'
Crested Male Fern
Cristata The King Male Fern
Golden Male Fern
Golden Scaled Male Fern 'The King'
The King Male Fern

Plant type

fern

size

H: 18"-24"
W: 12"-18"

planting zones

6a-9b

3/4 gallon pot-bare root | $12

USPS Priority Mail shipping rates

Fewer than 24 at Sebright Gardens

1 gallon bagged root ball | $23

Ships UPS, flat charge based on order total

30 at Gossler Farms

1 gallon | $25

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Fewer than 3 at Forestfarm

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Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata' plant details

Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata' is a deciduous or semi-evergreen fern with green foliage. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata'

Plant type: fern
Plant family: dryopteridaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 18 IN - wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Uses: clumping, container plant, easy-to-grow, textural, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata'

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This deciduous fern has lacy tips to the pinnules. This is a 2'-3' fern that will be quite striking all spring-fall.

By: Gossler Farms

Large crests at the end of each pinna (leaflet) and a decorative show of coppery scales as the fronds unfold in spring make this spectacular 2-5' fern a dramatic addition for a shady garden. PSh-Sh/M (not dry)

By: Forestfarm

A regal, deciduous, wood fern...robust upright shuttlecock shape 2-4’ high. Handsome fronds are crested and forked at tips. Quite drought tolerant once established but ideally enjoys woodland compost and regular moisture in part shade to shade. Lives happily under trees and mixes well with others. Cut back old fronds in late winter to best enjoy the fresh new fronds.

By: Secret Garden Growers

Useful and lovely evergreen fern for deep to moderate shade with slowly clumping rosettes of scalloped fronds with variable fans toward each tip. We use these even in dryish shade though they appreciate moisture when particularly hot. Fully evergreen into USDA zone 7. Responding to leaf damage in zone 7 and to the bottom of zone 6. Dryopteridaceae

By: Cistus Nursery

This large, stately fern is highly ornamental with fronds garnished with shaggy ?golden scales". The fronds are adorned with shredded tips.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Tall, graceful arching fronds 6 inches wide with lightly crested leaftlets. Spring growth is covered in lustrous golden scales. Plant in partial sun to full shade & well drained soil. Zone 4 to 8. Height: 2 to 4 feet tall. Evergreen.

By: Sebright Gardens

Crested pinnae along 4-6 inch wide long fronds. Highly desirable fern for the garden.

By: Bloom River Gardens

Has arching fronds, 4-6" across, with crested tips. This very handsome form adapts well to the mixed border.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

This is sometimes called the King of the Male Ferns and indeed the dendroid branching at the end of each pinnae could cause one to regard the whole plant as a botanical stag of sorts lording over his harem of lesser shade entities. Semi-deciduous but don't tease him about it.