Scaly ‘Male’ — Hardy Evergreen Perennial Fern, 1L Pot

Scaly ‘Male’ — A hardy herbaceous perennial. Supplied as an established specimen in a 1L pot, grown peat-free at our Yorkshire nursery and ready to plant out.

At a glance

• Type: Hardy Evergreen Perennial Fern
• Mature size: 60–90 cm × 60–90 cm
• Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade
• Supplied as: Single plant in a 1L pot

The detail

Bring a touch of woodland elegance to your garden with this collection of six Scaly Male Fern plants in the sought-after 'Cristata' form. Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata' is a beautiful, clump-forming evergreen fern prized for its distinctive crested frond tips, which add texture and interest throughout the year. The rich green, shuttlecock-shaped fronds unfurl in spring with attractive golden-brown scales along the midribs, creating a striking display from the moment new growth appears.

This robust and reliable fern thrives in shaded and partially shaded positions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shady borders, north-facing beds, and beneath established trees and shrubs. Once established, it requires very little maintenance and will reward you with handsome, architectural foliage year after year.

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

Frequently asked

Will it come back next year?

Yes — Scaly ‘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?

Supplied as a single specimen in 1L pot, well-rooted and ready to plant out or pot on.