Dryopteris filix-mas

male fern

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: moist, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A native, male fern found naturally in moist woodlands around the UK. This large, deciduous fern has feathery, green fronds which form a distinctive, shuttlecock shape and turn coppery in autumn. It makes a fine companion for shade-loving woodland plants, especially other ferns, and when its leaves die back, the space can be filled with early flowering spring bulbs such as snowdrops.

• 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.