Robust Male Fern
Dryopteris filix-mas 'Robusta'
SKU
3626
This vigorous western U.S. native is widely adaptable to any shady, cool and moist spot in the garden or woodland. A fairly compact selection with long, leathery, emerald green fronds that are upright and stately. Produces a flush of new, deep green fronds each spring. Semi-evergreen; retains its foliage well in cold weather.
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Full shade
Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil - weekly, or more often.
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| Botanical Pronunciation | drye-OPP-ter-iss FY-liks mas roh-BUS-tuh |
|---|---|
| Lore | In ancient Europe, ferns were often associated with incantations and spells granting one invisibility because the plants lacked seeds and seemed to magically appear. Male fern is grown commercially as an anthelminthic, to expel worms. |
| Average Size at Maturity | Quickly forms foliage clumps 4 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide, or wider. |
| Bloom Time | Prized for foliage. |
| Design Ideas | A perfect space filler to flesh out shade gardens and landscapes under large shade trees or groves. Exceptional for filling gaps in rock waterfalls where shade prevents other plants. A good problem solver for narrow sideyards and fleshes out difficult north facing foundation planting. |
| Deciduous/ Evergreen | Semi-evergreen |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Garden Style | Asian/Zen, Cottage, Rustic |
| Growth Habit | Clumping |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Landscape Use | Border, Container, Firescaping/Fire Wise, Mass Planting, Rock Garden, Woodland Garden, Cutting Garden, Edging, Ground Cover |
| Light Needs | Full shade |
| Soil Needs | All-Purpose Plant Food |
| Special Feature | Clump Forming, Extreme Cold Hardiness, Gift Plant, Naturalizes Well, North American Native Selection, Shade Loving, Tolerates Acidic Soil, Tolerates Wet Soils, Fast Growing |
| Water Needs | High |
| Watering Needs | Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil - weekly, or more often. |
| Key Feature | Woodland Garden Plant |
Provide enriched, slightly acidic, well-drained soil, with shelter from drying winter winds. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish root system; once established, water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil. Fertilize regularly during growing season. Cut back old fronds after new growth begins in spring.
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This Plant's Growing Zones: 4 - 8
Your climate may be too cold for this plant