Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata The King'

Crested Golden-scaled Male Fern, The King Male Fern, Crested Male Fern, Cristata The King Male Fern

Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata The King', Dryopteris affinis 'The King', Dryopteris filix-mas 'Cristata the King'

Evergreen, Semi-evergreen Fern, Perennial

An upright, clumping wood fern with finely cut, feathery fronds crested and forked at the tips. Rich green foliage adds strong texture and structure, making an excellent anchor in shaded borders and under trees. Mature size 2–3 ft tall and wide (to 4 ft in ideal conditions). Best in part sun to full shade and humus‑rich, well‑drained soil with regular moisture; once established it tolerates dryish shade but appreciates extra water in hot weather. Cut back old fronds in late winter to showcase the fresh spring flush. Offers near year‑round presence from early spring through very late fall.

Growing Conditions

Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9

Exposure: Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade

Water Needs: Average, Regular / Even

Description

Size: 24" - 48" tall x 18" - 36" wide
Shape / Form: Upright
Foliage Texture: Fine, Medium
Foliage Quality: Fine, Medium

Features: Attractive Foliage, Low Maintenance, Winter Interest, Year-round Interest

Foliage Color: Green




Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Beds and Borders, Container, Erosion Control, Groundcover, Massed, Mixed Border, Small Gardens, Specimen
Special Situations: Courtyard / Urban Garden, Deer Resistant, Once-a-Year Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant
Wildlife: Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role: mid-plane filler
Plant Behavior: Clumping
Collections: eGardenGo Favorite, Plants That Earn Their Keep

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low
Maintenance Tasks: Landscape Crew Friendly, Once-a-Year Care, Prune annually

Suitable Substitutes

Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' | Brilliance Autumn Fern

Perfect Partners

Rhododendron 'Laramie' | Yak Van Zile Rhododendron