Dryopteris affinis (Golden Male Fern)
Stately, strong, and just a bit showy, Dryopteris affinis is the fern that stands to attention in the shady parts of your garden. Its golden-green fronds unfurl with a flourish, adding a touch of woodland drama without stealing the whole show.
Growing up to 90–120cm tall and forming a tidy, upright clump, it thrives in part to full shade with moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Tough and dependable, it’s evergreen in mild climates and shrugs off less-than-perfect conditions with quiet confidence. Think of it as the strong, silent type—handsome, low-maintenance, and always impeccably dressed.
