Dryopteris filix-mas 'Crispa' P9

Dryopteris filix-mas 'Crispa' – Crisped Male Fern

Dryopteris filix-mas 'Crispa', commonly known as Crisped Male Fern, is an attractive, compact, hardy semi-evergreen fern prized for its distinctive, finely textured foliage. A cultivated form of the native Male Fern, it produces elegant, upright fronds with glossy, rich green leaflets featuring beautifully crinkled, ruffled edges, giving the plant an unusual, softly curled appearance.

Forming a neat, bushy clump approximately 30–40 cm high and wide, this charming ornamental fern provides structure and texture without overwhelming neighbouring plants.

Thriving in partial to full shade, it prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, although established plants tolerate some dry shade.

Ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, rockeries, containers and underplanting shrubs, its compact habit makes it particularly suitable for smaller gardens. An excellent, low-maintenance fern for Irish shade gardens.