Dryopteris filix‑mas, commonly known as Male Fern, is a robust, evergreen fern valued for its architectural form and rich, dark green fronds. It forms dense clumps of finely divided, arching foliage, providing year-round structure and texture in shaded and woodland gardens.
Thriving in moist, well-drained soil, Male Fern is tolerant of a variety of soil types and is particularly suited to shady borders, woodland edges, and naturalistic planting schemes. Its upright, vase-like habit makes it an excellent background plant, adding depth and contrast alongside flowering perennials or other shade-loving plants.
Key Features:
- Dense, arching evergreen fronds with rich green colour
- Ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and naturalistic plantings
- Low-maintenance and long-lived
- Provides architectural structure and year-round foliage interest
- Fully hardy in the UK
A versatile and resilient fern, Dryopteris filix‑mas combines ornamental elegance with practicality, making it a reliable choice for shaded areas and woodland-inspired garden designs.
Dryopteris Filix-mas (Male Fern)
Plant Factfile
Height 60-120cm Spread 60-100cm Soil Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates loam, clay, and sandy soils; prefers humus-rich soil Flowers Non-flowering (fern); reproduces via spores on the undersides of fronds Position Partial to full shade; sheltered spots preferred Hardiness H7 – Hardy in the severest European continental climates (fully hardy throughout the UK) What you’re buying
Plant images are used for illustrative purposes only, so you know what your plant will look like once fully grown.
You’re purchasing your chosen size of plug plant (by selecting “Plant Size” option above).
Mini Plugs: Each plug is approximately 15mm sq, containing tender young seedlings in need of pricking out and potting on to grow before being planted out.
Midi Plugs: Each plug is approximately 20mm sq, plants are a little more mature than the mini's, can sometimes be planted out if the weather is good and the last frost has passed.
Maxi Plugs: Each plug is approximately 30mm sq, plants are more mature, sometimes over a year old, which can mean well developed root systems and/or fewer leaves due to winter dormancy or cutting back. Generally hardened off and garden ready, though for best results good weather is preferred for planting out.
Full information about plant sizes, including pictures, can be found here.
Delivery & Dispatch
Delivery Costs
- £3 flat rate delivery on all orders under £50
- Free delivery on orders over £50
When Orders Are Posted
Orders are normally posted on the Tuesday following your order. This helps us work efficiently and also reduces unnecessary trips and emissions. In most cases, after Tuesday posting your plants should arrive before the weekend.
Packaging & Plant Care During Transit
Our plugs are gently squeezed and carefully packed into breathable, unsealed plastic bags. The plants are then packed into recycled cardboard packaging wherever possible.