Dryopteris dilitata 'Crispa Whiteside' RHS AGM 9cm

Dryopteris dilatata ‘Crispa Whiteside’ is a wonderfully characterful form of the broad buckler fern, distinguished by its crinkled, crested frond tips. Growing 50–70 cm tall, it forms a compact, tidy shuttlecock shape, with lush, deep-green fronds that have a delightfully ruffled texture — as though the plant has taken the trouble to curl its hair for the occasion.

It thrives in partial to full shade, preferring moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and is fully hardy. Once settled, it’s an easygoing fern, offering intricate foliage interest from spring right through to the coldest months.

Interesting fact: The dramatic crests and curls are the result of a natural mutation, cherished and selected by Victorian fern enthusiasts during the great “Pteridomania” craze — proof that even in the 1800s, people couldn’t resist a fancy fern.

Awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. (RHS AGM).