Scientific Name
Dryopteris affinis (tree-wing plant near the border) 'Cristata The King'
A semi- evergreen fern with mid-green leaves with crested tips, which is hardy throughout most of the UK down to -15°C.
Fern: clump forming habit
Perennial: Semi- Evergreen
Common Name(s)
Scaly Male Fern, Crested King Fern, Dryopteris pseudomas 'Cristata The King'
Origin
Native range is from Europe to the Himalayas!
Description
This unusual fern is a 'cristata' variety, meaning the ends of each frond replicate themselves and fan out at the edges, creating a truly unusual look! In more exposed spots it will be deciduous, but in milder winters and sheltered locations it can keep its verdant foliage year-round. Choose this fern to add greenery into every corner of your garden!
Find out more about cristata on our blog post 'Fascinating Facts About Cristation, Fasciation & Cristata'
Months of Interest
Foliage year-round, with a splash of yellow amongst the green in Spring
Pruning Tips
Snip dead or damaged fronds as necessary
Wildlife Value
No specific wildlife benefit known in the UK. Ferns do, however, help with soil stability in your garden, preventing erosion and adding organic material to the soil over time.
Positioning
Can cope with a variety of light levels, from full shade to full sun, and is fine in both exposed and sheltered spots. It will thrive best with some shade and some shelter, and will love damp, shady parts of your garden.
Water
Once it's established in your garden, this fern shouldn't need too much extra water- keep an eye on it in drought conditions or very hot weather.
Soil
This fern loves heavy, moist soils.
Food
Feed in spring with a granular fertiliser into the soil.
Pet-safe?
Yes- no toxicity reported, though it's best for the plant and your pets if they don't nibble too much!
Sprouts Top Tips
To make this plant as low-maintenance as possible, pick a shady, moist spot. This is a double benefit as many plants need a lot more water, so you can add interest to a neglected corner of your garden and make it easier to care for this plant all at the same time!
A lifestyle, gift, and plant shop, based in Bristol. Trying to make a difference to our customers, employees, suppliers, and community by following the three P’s of business; people, planet, profit; in that order.
Find out more
Sprouts of Bristol
2 Kingsdown Parade
Bristol
BS6 5UD
Store Hours
Open everyday 10am - 6pm
Apart from bank holidays
10am - 6pm
The product had slight wear to it but the seller contacted me to let me know if I still wanted to proceed. I was happy to do so and glad I did as I do not notice it. And I've got a happy plant!! 😊
Just what I was looking for. The coir moss pole gives my monstera some much-needed support and allows it to grow upwards. I've had the pole for two weeks and the plant is already looking much happier. Thanks!
Had a desire box was ok but one plant not potted.. others very small.. rescue box from else’s where bigger plants and stronger looking