Buy Dryopteris filix-mas

Also Known As

Male Fern

Plant type

fern

size

H: 2'-4'
W: 2'-4'

planting zones

4a-9b

3/4 gallon pot--bare root | $10

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Fewer than 27 at Sebright Gardens

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Dryopteris filix-mas plant details

Dryopteris filix-mas is a deciduous or semi-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 verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dryopteris filix-mas

Plant type: fern
Plant family: dryopteridaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 4 FT - wide, 2 FT - 4 FT - tall
Uses: container plant, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dryopteris filix-mas

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Male Ferns are closely related to the softer and smaller Female Ferns and are one of the best choices for a hardy fern across the United States. The fronds are tough and deer-resistant and will hold up to wind much better than other fern species. The color is also a darker green and because of the large size (up to four feet tall) this species make an excellent border around tall trees. They pair well with Hosta or other large-leaf plants and also look great when planted with Hellebores.

We prune all the old fronds away in February to encourage plants to look their best but most gardeners leave their Male Ferns alone as a hands-off garden plant. These will do best when given regularly moist soil in the summer but can tolerate a fair amount of drought, note that if plants dry out too much they will go dormant until next spring.

By: Red Panda Nursery

Deciduous (green til late winter when mild), upright European fern that is great in a woodland setting, can tolerate sun if soil is moist, but well drained. Otherwise, plant in partial sun to full shade & well drained soil. Zones 4 to 8. Height: 2 to 4 feet tall

By: Sebright Gardens

Got Lady Ferns? Perhaps they're lonely? I bet they would like a few Male Ferns to show off for. This widespread and variable fern is a classic and is circumpolar in distribution, and almost too well known to need description. Plants grow 2-3 feet tall, and are almost evergreen and provide striking accent when placed near a fallen log or stump.