Dryopteris affinis 'Crispa': The Distinguished Scaly Male Fern

If you’re searching for a hardy, visually distinctive fern that thrives in shade and adds long-lasting structure to your garden, Dryopteris affinis Crispa, commonly known as the Scaly Male Fern, should be on your list. This robust, evergreen fern stands out from standard male ferns thanks to its crisply textured fronds and golden-scaled stems, making it a highly decorative and dependable choice for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and large containers.

Whether creating a serene woodland retreat, filling gaps in a shady mixed border, or elevating a quiet corner with foliage interest, ‘Crispa’ offers a refined, architectural presence throughout the year. Its rich green foliage, distinctive frond structure, and excellent resilience make it a staple for gardeners who appreciate plants with form, texture, and low-maintenance appeal.

Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa’ is prized for its crisped, wavy-edged fronds, which develop into a bold, upright clump over time. Reaching a mature height of 60–90cm (24–36 inches) and a similar spread, this fern has a naturally strong, symmetrical form that defines shaded planting schemes.

What sets ‘Crispa’ apart is the unusual texture of its fronds. Each leaflet is subtly curled and crinkled, giving the plant a tactile quality that plays beautifully with light and shadow. The frond stems (rachis) are covered in warm, golden-brown scales, lending the plant a slightly burnished appearance, particularly striking in low-angled morning or evening sun.

In many parts of the UK, as a semi-evergreen to evergreen fern, it retains its foliage through much of the winter—especially in sheltered spots—providing reliable structure and interest when other plants have died back.

This fern is exceptionally well-suited to the British climate and adapts comfortably to various conditions. It prefers partial to full shade, perfect for areas beneath trees, along north-facing walls, or in the dappled understorey of a mature garden.

To thrive, ‘Crispa’ should be planted in moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, ideally enriched with organic matter such as leaf mould, composted bark, or garden compost. It performs best in slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.5–7.0), though it will tolerate a broad range provided it doesn’t sit in waterlogged conditions.

Once established, this fern is remarkably tolerant of different garden settings. It can handle periods of dryness, especially in shaded areas, and bounces back quickly with a bit of watering and attention. However, consistent moisture is recommended for optimum frond colour and health, particularly during the growing season and hot summer spells.

Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa’ is a true multi-season performer. Its newly emerging fronds unfurl in tight coils in spring, revealing fresh, bright green foliage with pronounced crinkling at the edges. This growth stage is particularly eye-catching and adds a burst of life and texture just as the garden begins to stir.

As the fronds mature, they deepen into a rich forest green, holding their colour beautifully through summer and into autumn. The golden-hued scales along the stems remain visible throughout the year and offer subtle warmth during the cooler months.

In winter, especially in sheltered or milder regions, ‘Crispa’ often remains partially evergreen, giving structure to dormant borders and maintaining a sense of life in the garden when little else is growing. In colder areas, while the fronds may die back, the plant’s strong crown ensures a vigorous return each spring.

To ensure the best start, plant Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa’ in either spring or autumn, when the soil is naturally moist and temperatures are moderate enough to encourage strong root development.

How to plant:

• Space plants 60–90cm (24–36 inches) apart to allow for full mature spread.
• Dig a hole twice the width of the rootball and incorporate organic matter such as manure or leaf mould.
• Position the crown at soil level and backfill firmly, watering well to settle the roots.
• Finish with a mulch layer of leaf mould, bark chippings, or compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Regular mulching each spring will continue to improve soil health, conserve moisture, and feed the plant naturally as the organic material breaks down.

Although ‘Crispa’ adapts well to most garden soils, it thrives in humus-rich, moisture-retentive conditions. Improving heavy or poor soils by incorporating compost or leaf mould will significantly enhance performance.

In clay soils, consider adding grit or composted bark to improve drainage, while sandy soils benefit from increased organic matter to retain moisture. Regular mulching is beneficial in lighter soils to regulate temperature and reduce evaporation.

One of the most appealing aspects of Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa’ is its low-maintenance nature once established. Here’s a simple care checklist to keep it thriving:

• Late winter clean-up: Remove old or damaged fronds before new growth begins in early spring.
• Mulching: Apply mulch annually to boost soil condition and water retention.
• Watering: Keep evenly moist during prolonged dry spells, especially in containers or sandy soils.
• Feeding: Typically not needed if mulched regularly with organic matter.
• Dividing: Every few years in early spring, if clumps become crowded or you wish to propagate new plants.

Once mature, its resilience and ability to tolerate periods of drought make it an ideal fern for gardeners seeking dependable structure with minimal fuss.

Although relatively large by fern standards, ‘Crispa’ can be grown in deep, wide containers, provided they offer excellent drainage. Choose pots at least 45cm (18 inches) deep and fill them with a loam-based compost mixed with grit or bark for added aeration.

Ensure containers are positioned in partial or complete shade and are protected from harsh winter winds. Consistent moisture is key, especially during summer, as pots dry out more quickly than beds. Top-dress with fresh compost in spring and remove spent fronds to maintain tidiness.

This fern pairs beautifully with other shade-tolerant perennials and spring bulbs, creating lush, multi-layered displays. For contrasting textures and complementary colours, consider planting alongside:

• Hostas – large, bold leaves in blue, green, or variegated tones.
• Hellebores – winter and early spring blooms paired with elegant foliage.
• Heucheras – vibrant copper, plum, or lime foliage for rich contrast.
• Epimediums – delicate heart-shaped leaves and dainty spring flowers.
• Woodland bulbs – such as snowdrops, cyclamen, or bluebells for seasonal sparkle.

These combinations help fill the garden with texture and colour across the seasons, particularly in lower-light areas.

Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa’ is fully hardy across the UK, withstanding temperatures down to –25°C (–13°F). In most gardens, it requires no winter protection, though in particularly exposed or windy sites, planting near a wall, hedge, or mature shrub provides helpful shelter for the fronds.

The strong root system ensures reliable regrowth in spring in colder regions where foliage dies back. In late autumn, a mulch of manure or bark can help insulate roots and retain moisture over winter.

I’ve had Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa’ tucked into a few quiet corners of my garden for years, and I honestly wouldn’t be without it. Something is grounding about its presence — those beautifully crinkled fronds and golden scales catch the eye even on the dullest days. I particularly love how it holds its shape through winter; when everything else seems to disappear, ‘Crispa’ carries on, quietly anchoring the border. It’s one of those dependable plants that gets better with time — no drama or fuss. I often recommend it to friends who want a bit of structure and texture in tricky shady spots. Pop it near a path or beneath a tree; it’ll bring a touch of quiet elegance all year round. If you’re building up a collection of shade lovers, this one’s a must.

In summary, Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa’ is a striking, low-maintenance fern that delivers year-round interest, beautiful structure, and a uniquely tactile presence in shaded garden spaces. Its golden-scaled stems, crisply textured fronds, and upright habit offer elegance and resilience in equal measure.

Whether designing a shady border, refreshing a woodland area, or adding lushness to a quiet courtyard, this evergreen fern offers dependable performance and refined texture. Whether part of a thoughtful planting scheme or showcased on its own, Crispa earns its place as a truly versatile and valuable garden plant.

Check out the RHS article here.

Want to learn about other fern varieties? Read about The Japanese Shield Fern here.

For more information on ferns for your garden, please check out our guide to ferns for UK gardens.

Q: How tall does ‘Crispa’ grow?

A: Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa’ typically reaches heights of 60-90cm (24-36 inches). Its upright fronds create a striking presence in the garden.

Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for this fern?

A: Dryopteris affinis Crispa – Scaly Male Fern, thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers rich, moisture-retentive soil that drains well, ensuring healthy growth without waterlogging.

Q: How hardy is the Scaly Male Fern?

A: This fern can withstand temperatures below -25°C (-13°F). It performs well in UK gardens, adapting to various shaded environments.

Q: When should I plant ‘Crispa’?

A: Plant in spring or autumn for the best results. These seasons provide optimal soil conditions and allow roots to establish before extreme weather.

Q: What kind of soil does it prefer?

A: ‘Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa’ prefers a rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Incorporating organic matter improves the growing conditions.

Q: Does ‘Crispa’ require a lot of maintenance?

A: Once established, ‘Crispa’ needs minimal maintenance. Remove damaged fronds in late winter, and apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Q: Can I grow it in containers?

A: Yes, ‘Crispa’ can be grown in containers. Use a pot of at least 45cm (18 inches) deep to accommodate its root system and ensure good drainage.

Q: What plants pair well with Dryopteris affinis ‘Crispa’?

A: This fern works well with other shade-loving plants like hostas, hellebores, and woodland bulbs. Its texture complements broader foliage nicely.

Q: How does it respond to dry conditions?

A: ‘Crispa’ prefers consistent moisture. During dry spells, the fronds may brown. Ensure regular watering to keep the plant healthy and vibrant.

Q: Is it resistant to pests and diseases?

A: This fern typically remains free from serious pests and diseases. However, you should maintain good air circulation to prevent any issues and monitor for damage to fronds.