Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata'

golden male fern (syn. The King)

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: moist, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: slow-growing
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A cultivar of the native male fern, Dryopteris affinis, found in woodlands in wetter parts of Britain, this is a handsome, shuttlecock fern that keeps its leaves almost all year round. The young fronds unfurl a golden green and the plant retains a fresh, bright appearance throughout the summer. Try it in a moist shady border with other woodland plants.
  
  
• Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole. Cut back decayed fronds in winter to allow new growth to emerge.