Dryopteris ‘Linearis Polydactyla Male’ — Hardy Semi-evergreen Perennial Fern, 1L Pot (Set of 3 or 6)
Dryopteris ‘Linearis Polydactyla Male’ — Hardy Semi-evergreen Perennial Fern, 1L Pot (Set of 3 or 6)
Dryopteris ‘Linearis Polydactyla Male’ — A hardy herbaceous perennial. Supplied as a set of 3 or 6 well-rooted plants in 1L pots, grown peat-free at our Yorkshire nursery and ready to plant out.
At a glance
- Type: Hardy Semi-evergreen Perennial Fern
- Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade, Sheltered
- Attracts: Provides Shelter for Garden Wildlife and Ground-dwelling Invertebrates
- Supplied as: Set of 3 or 6 plants in 1L pots
The detail
Add graceful texture and year-round interest to shaded areas of your garden with this collection of three Dryopteris affinis 'Linearis Polydactyla' ferns. Widely regarded as one of the most elegant of all hardy ferns, this RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) variety produces stunning shuttlecock-shaped crowns of finely divided, narrow fronds, each tipped with delicate, finger-like crests. The result is a beautifully airy, lace-like effect that brings movement and sophistication to woodland plantings, shaded borders, and north-facing beds.
These ferns are semi-evergreen in most UK gardens, often retaining attractive foliage well into winter before fresh golden-green croziers unfurl in spring. Exceptionally low-maintenance and long-lived, they thrive in damp, shaded conditions where many other plants struggle, making them an invaluable addition to any garden.
Why ours
Grown by us in Yorkshire, in peat-free compost, shipped in plastic-free packaging. Every plant arrives strong, well-rooted and ready to thrive — not weeks of waiting before it gets going. Each order includes access to our free care app with planting and seasonal care reminders.
How to grow
| Botanical name | Dryopteris affinis 'Linearis Polydactyla' |
| Growth habit | Upright, Shuttlecock-forming with Gracefully Arching Fronds |
| Position | Partial Shade to Full Shade, Sheltered |
| Soil | Moist, Humus-rich, Well-drained |
| Hardiness | Fully Hardy (RHS H7) |
| Attracts | Provides Shelter for Garden Wildlife and Ground-dwelling Invertebrates |
| Best for | Woodland Gardens, Shaded Borders, North-facing Beds, Under Trees, Containers |
Frequently asked
Will it come back next year?
Yes — Dryopteris ‘Linearis Polydactyla Male’ is a hardy herbaceous perennial. It will die back over winter and re-emerge in spring, returning bigger and stronger each year.
What size pot does it arrive in?
Sets are supplied as 3 or 6 individual plants in 1L pot, well-rooted and ready to plant out or pot on.