Dryopteris filix-mas (Male Fern)
Classic, tough, and totally unbothered by shady dealings, Dryopteris filix-mas is a true woodland workhorse with bold, arching fronds and timeless good looks. It’s the fern equivalent of a sturdy pair of boots—reliable, rugged, and surprisingly stylish, sporting an RHS AGM logo.
Reaching 90–120cm tall and wide, it thrives in part to full shade and moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, though it’ll soldier on through dry spells once established and is a top contender for best dry shade plant. Deciduous and delightfully low-maintenance, it’s perfect for naturalistic plantings, woodland gardens, or taming unruly corners. Strong, silent, and always green in the right season—what more could you want from your ferny friend?
