Dryopteris affinis 'Montana' (Golden Male Fern) – Hardy Fern (Set of 3 or 6)

A British native fern with an elegant shuttlecock of arching fronds and golden brown scales up the stems.

The golden male fern is one of the most dependable ferns for a difficult shaded spot. The croziers that unfurl in spring are the best part of it, catching the light on their scaly stems before opening into long, lance shaped fronds.

It is semi-evergreen, holding much of its foliage through a mild winter and giving structure when the rest of the garden has faded. Plant it under trees, along a shady border or in a moist sheltered corner, and once it is established it will look after itself.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Golden male fern, scaly male fern
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 60cm to 90cm tall by 60cm to 90cm wide
• Growth Habit: Upright shuttlecock rosette with arching fronds
• Perfect For: Shady borders, woodland gardens, north facing walls, containers and underplanting
• Foliage: Mid green, lance shaped fronds with golden brown scales on the stems
• Flowering Time: None. Ferns carry no flowers and spread by spores.
• Planting Position: Partial shade to full shade, sheltered from wind in soil that stays moist. Grows well in a container.
• Soil Type: Moist, humus rich soil that drains freely. Dig in leaf mould or garden compost when planting.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy. It comes through a British winter outdoors without protection.
• Maintenance: Low. Cut away old or tired fronds in early spring before the new ones unfurl, and mulch in spring to hold moisture in.
• Seasonal Interest: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
• Type: Hardy semi-evergreen fern

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