Dryopteris affinis
Gold shield fern, Scaly male fern, Golden scaled male fern
Also known as Dryopteris pseudomas
- Height × spread
- 0.9m × 0.9m
- Position
- All conditions
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This looks similar to the male fern, Dryopteris filix-mas, when it is mature. It is particularly attractive in its youth when the golden scales on the ends of its fronds are a special attraction. The gold scaling is especially effective if the plant is placed so that the light hits it from behind. When unfurling in spring, the bronzed gold and light green of the fronds are a real pleasure. This matures into a rich green architectural plant, the golden central stalk of the fronds remaining a feature right into summer. It thrives in a damp site in some shade and should be given a focal position without the clutter of other plants in its vicinity.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Brown, Gold
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.9m
- Spread
- 0.9m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Shady court
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Deer resistant
- Deer
- May be damaged by deer, especially when young
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during drought
In drought conditions where established plants in the ground have had no water for a month, do a deep watering. If drought continues repeat after a fortnight. Plants only need watering during spring to autumn growth. Check plants in pots more often.
Established plants have a good degree of drought tolerance. Water after a prolonged period of drought. Many drought tolerant plants can rapidly revive, even when much of the foliage has died. They will respond with new growth.
Summer
Summer · Planting
Divide ferns
If a fern has multiple crowns (the part from which the fronds grow), they can with some effort be separated. Put a fork, or even two between the crowns and work them apart. Replant large segments, and grow small pieces in pots until they become viable.
Winter
Winter-Spring · Planting
Prune damaged fern fronds
You can remove old fronds in winter if they look tattered. Carefully cut them off using secateurs. Other fronds can be removed as they break, die or fail in spring. Cut them off carefully so as not to damage the young, emergent growth.
Found in
More Dryopteris
Dryopteris
Wood fern, Buckler fern
Dryopteris affinis
Gold shield fern, Scaly male fern, Golden scaled male fern
Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa Group'
Curled golden-scaled male fern, Wood fern, Buckler fern
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Angustata'
Gold shield fern, Scaly male fern, Golden scaled male fern, King of the male fern, Crested golden scaled male fern
Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata'
King of the male fern, Crested golden scaled male fern
Dryopteris affinis 'Pinderi'
Pinder's golden scaled male fern
Dryopteris affinis 'Polydactyla Dadds'
Gold shield fern, Scaly male fern, Golden scaled male fern
Dryopteris affinis 'Polydactyla Mapplebeck'
Gold shield fern, Scaly male fern, Golden scaled male fern