Dryopteris affinis 'The King' (Pot Size 15cm) Scaly male fern sold by Boma Garden Centre

This semi-evergreen fern is a living remnant of the Victorian fern craze, renowned for its distinctive, heavily crested fronds. The large, decorative crests adorn both the pinnae and frond tips, creating an ornamental, layered appearance with rich green colour and golden-scaled stems. A robust and easy-to-grow plant, it reaches approximately 90-120cm in height and spread, forming an elegant shuttlecock-shaped rosette. The fern is highly adaptable, thriving in shade, partial shade, or even full sun, though it prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to acid pH. It tolerates dry shade but establishes best with regular watering during the first season. Hardy to H5, it survives temperatures down to -15°C and is suitable throughout the UK. The combination of deer and rabbit resistance makes it ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and cottage gardens. A reliable performer that has earned the RHS Award of Garden Merit.