Photo of Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Gracilis' foliage by Far Reaches Farm

Photo by Far Reaches Farm

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Buy Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Gracilis'

Also Known As

  • Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Congesta'
  • Dwarf Crisped Golden Scale Male Fern
  • Dwarf Crisped Male Fern

Plant type

fern

size

  • H: 6"-12"
  • W: 6"-12"

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

3/4 gallon pot-bare root | $10

Ships as soon as new growth is hardened off

Fewer than 29 at Sebright Gardens

3.5" | $15

Ships USPS, based on weight/location

Fewer than 24 at Secret Garden Growers

1 gallon bagged root ball | $19

Ships UPS, flat charge based on order total.

30 at Gossler Farms

More Options

Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Gracilis' plant details

Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Gracilis' is an evergreen fern with green foliage. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - regular water. 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 'Crispa Gracilis'

Plant type: fern
Plant family: dryopteridaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 6 IN - 12 IN - wide, 6 IN - 12 IN - tall
Uses: container plant, dwarf, miniature, terrarium plant, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Gracilis'

USDA Zones: 4a - 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

is a small 6” evergreen fern. They are very small versions of our bigger ferns.
Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa Congesta’ is a charming dwarf evergreen Fern displaying a neat and tidy habit. The bright green, short, twisted fluffy fronds mix well with Spring bulbs in the border.
Extreme texture on this wavy-gravy, dwarf Golden Scaled Male Fern! Pinnules are seriously curved on fronds reaching a mere 5-8" tall (semi-evergreen); place it where it can be appreciated close up…or plant a colony! Pots, rock gardens, woodland in shade
An excellent fern for the miniature garden that is just SO pretty! The heavily serrated leaves have the cutest curls on the ends. Stays small too! Can also be grown in a terrarium environment apparently. Fantastic pewter-green color. Lovely curls on the ends that charm. Semi evergreen. Can be grown in a terrarium. Often mistaken for D. a. 'Crispa congesta'. Semi-evergreen, clip away deteriorating branches in early spring. Should remain mostly green once in place. Mature height is 5 to 8 inches. Hardy to zones 5 through 9. Part or full shade, dappled shade. Keep soil evenly moist, do not let it dry out. Comes in a 4" pot
Evergreen upright, very curled & crumpled & fastigiated forest green dwarf fern suggestive of a miniature conifer; Favorite foreground fern. Plant in partial sun to full shade & well drained soil. Zones 4 to 8. Height: 12" tall.
This is an evergreen dwarf with dense fronds and pinnae twisted at the tips. Grow 1' x 1'.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Dwarf fern, to only 6-10" tall, perfect for the rock garden or shady spot in the garden. Fronds are semi-evergreen and very dark, a bit crispy and a bit curled, and very handsome for a small tike. Even does well in an indoor terrarium. Best in rich soil, in part to full shade where summer water is regular. Frost hardy in USDA zone 5.
This little guy is built like a fireplug as my pappy used to say. Nice dark green congested fronds on a very stout and rugged plant. Generally evergreen in our area and creating interest beyond the limits of its size. Easy to please and ideally suited to the smaller garden.

Gardening facts about Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Gracilis' plant

How to Grow Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Gracilis'

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Dryopteris for your garden

aka Dryopteris atrata, Dryopteris cycadiana 'Shaggy Shield', Black Wood Fern, Shaggy Shield Fern

Plant Type

Fern

Zones

5a-8b

Size

Height: 24"-42"

Width: 12"-24"

  • bright shade - shade
  • even moisture
Photo of Dryopteris cycadina foliage by Karl Gercens III
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aka Barnes' Male Fern

Plant Type

Fern

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • mostly sun - shade
  • even moisture - occasional
Photo of Dryopteris filix-mas 'Barnesii' foliage by plant lust
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aka Dryopteris Leptapoda, Sunset Fern

Plant Type

Fern

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 12"-24"

Width: 12"-24"

  • dappled shade - shade
  • even moisture
Photo of Dryopteris lepidopoda foliage by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka Dryopteris dilatata 'Recurvata', Broad Buckler Fern, Dryopteris dilatata Recurved Form, Recurved Broad Buckler Fern, Recurved Wood Fern

Plant Type

Fern

Zones

4a-8b

Size

Height: 3'

Width: 3'-4'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
Photo of Dryopteris dilatata (recurved form) foliage by plant lust
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aka Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern

Plant Type

Fern

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 18"-30"

Width: 2'-3'

  • bright shade - shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Dryopteris erythrosora foliage by plant lust
View Plant

More Options

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