Dryopteris filix-mas Barnesii - Male Fern

Dryopteris filix-mas 'Barnesii' is a variety of Male Fern with large size, erect and narrow fronds, somewhat tousled in appearance. Although less delicate than the female fern, this male fern is more robust and certainly stands out. It forms a very elegant clump, with beautifully cut foliage, and does not go unnoticed in the slightly shady areas of the garden. Definitely a good choice, in cool climates, if your garden can accommodate its superb volume!

Dryopteris filix-mas, commonly known as the male fern, is a species belonging to the large family of Dryopteridaceae. Very common in Europe, Asia, and North America, this deciduous or semi-evergreen fern lives in cool, moist, and shaded habitats, along hedges, near ditches, and in leafy or coniferous woodlands. The cultivar 'Barnesii' forms an upright clump, 1.20m (4ft) tall and as wide. Although its growth is quite slow, it spreads over time in large colonies thanks to its creeping rhizomes. It consists of pale green fronds divided twice into more or less serrated leaflets but always rounded at their tips. The petiole and rachis (central vein) of each frond are covered with reddish scales. The fronds emerge from a thick, scaly stump, from an erect rhizome in a crown shape. The vegetation is deciduous to semi-evergreen, depending on the severity of the winter.

Dryopteris filix-mas, not demanding in terms of soil type, is very easy to grow in all shady and cool to moist places, but in fertile and well-drained soil. Elegant yet sturdy, it is perfect for slightly neglected areas of the garden, where it will thrive under the cover of trees. The 'Barnesii' cultivar can also be planted not far from a water source, alongside Rodgersia, Solomon's Seals, or silver candles. It forms very beautiful compositions in woodlands, placed next to Astilbe arendsii 'Burgundy Red', a fern with feathery foliage like Athyrium filix-femina, or blue Himalayan poppies.