Dryopteris felix mas Barnesii

Description

Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Barnesii’ – male fern

Botanical name: Dryopteris filix-mas ‘Barnesii’
Common names: Barnes’ male fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Plant type: Deciduous fern
Habit: Large, clump-forming, upright, narrow
Pot size: 3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 90–120cm tall × 60cm spread
Foliage: Tall, narrow, upright fronds with closely set segments, more slender and erect than the common male fern; deciduous
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 H7 (very hardy, below −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 filix-mas ‘Barnesii’ is a tall, elegant male fern with narrow, upright fronds, more slender and erect than the species. Architectural and easy, it is superb in shady and woodland borders.

GardenAdvice notes

A tall, narrow-fronded selection of the reliable native male fern, ‘Barnesii’ forms an imposing, upright clump of slender fronds, giving a more vertical, architectural presence than the common form. Exceptionally hardy, tough and tolerant of drier shade, it is one of the most dependable large ferns for a shady border.

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 tall, narrow, upright habit gives strong vertical structure.

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

‘Barnesii’ is the one to choose when you want height and a strong upright shape rather than a spreading shuttlecock — its narrow, erect fronds give real vertical structure at the back of a shady border. It’s among the toughest and hardiest of ferns, shrugging off drier shade and cold, so it’s a reliable backbone plant for difficult spots.

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