Dryopteris Crispa Whiteside

Description

Dryopteris ‘Crispa Whiteside’ – crisped male fern

Botanical name: Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa Whiteside’
Common names: Crisped male fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Plant type: Semi-evergreen fern
Habit: Compact, clump-forming
Pot size: 3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 45–60cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Broad, arching fronds with attractively crisped, ruffled edges; 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 ‘Crispa Whiteside’ is a compact male fern with broad, arching fronds attractively crisped and ruffled at the edges. Neat and easy, it is ideal for shady and woodland borders and smaller shaded spaces.

GardenAdvice notes

A more compact, characterful male fern, ‘Crispa Whiteside’ is distinguished by its broad fronds with prettily crisped and ruffled margins, giving it a fuller, more textured look than the plain species. Tough, tolerant of drier shade and neatly sized, it is an excellent choice for smaller shady borders and containers.

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, and its compact size suits smaller gardens and shaded pots.

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

‘Crispa Whiteside’ packs the lush, ruffled look of a big fern into a compact, well-behaved plant, so it’s ideal where space is tight — a small shady border, a shaded pot or the front of a woodland bed. Like all male ferns it tolerates drier shade than most, but keep it mulched and it will look its fullest.

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