Dryopteris affinis The King

Description

Dryopteris affinis ‘The King’ – golden male fern

Botanical name: Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata The King’
Common names: Golden-scaled male fern, king fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Plant type: Semi-evergreen fern
Habit: Large, clump-forming, upright
Pot size: 3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 90–120cm tall × 75cm spread
Foliage: Large, arching fronds with crested tips, the new growth flushed golden-green with golden-brown scaly stems; semi-evergreen
Flowers: None — ferns reproduce by spores, not flowers
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Partial to full shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; tolerates a range of soils; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 4–8
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Selected form; the species is native to Europe including the UK
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Dryopteris affinis ‘The King’ is a magnificent large male fern with arching, crested-tipped fronds, the golden-scaled new growth unfurling in spring. Bold and architectural, it is superb in shady and woodland borders.

GardenAdvice notes

One of the finest and most imposing hardy ferns, ‘The King’ is a robust, near-evergreen male fern forming a large, elegant shuttlecock of arching fronds, each attractively crested at the tip. The emerging spring croziers are clothed in golden-brown scales, giving a lovely display as they unfurl. It is easy, tough and tolerant of drier shade.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Male ferns and their relatives are among the most tolerant of drier shade, but all do best with reliable moisture. Work in leaf mould or compost, and space about 45–60cm apart depending on the ultimate size.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Keep the soil from drying out, especially while establishing, and mulch with leaf mould in autumn. Remove old, tatty or frost-damaged fronds in early spring before the new growth unfurls. No feeding is usually needed beyond an annual mulch.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide congested clumps in spring.
• Spores: Can be raised from spores sown on moist, sterile compost, though this is slow and specialised.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free and robust. Slugs and snails may graze the soft young fronds as they unfurl in spring, and fronds can scorch in dry or exposed positions.

Uses in the garden

Ideal for shady and woodland borders, north-facing beds, and among hostas, hellebores and other shade plants, where its size and crested fronds make a strong architectural statement.

Wildlife value

The fronds provide cover and shelter for small invertebrates, and the crowns offer shelter through winter.

Toxicity & safety

Ferns are generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets, though as with all ornamental plants they are not intended for eating.

GardenAdvice tip

‘The King’ is a real statement fern — give it space to form its full, arching shuttlecock, ideally where you can watch the golden-scaled croziers unfurl in spring, one of the loveliest sights of the woodland garden. It’s tougher than it looks and tolerates drier shade than most, though it’s most luxuriant kept moist and mulched.

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