Scaly Male Fern Cristata The King Named for its handsome, long, crested fronds, Dryopteris affinis Cristata The King is a tough, clump-forming, semi-evergreen fern which forms a shuttlecock-shaped rosette of heavily divided, upright fronds with golden scales on the stems and a crested tip on each frondlet. The upright fronds emerge bright golden-green, turning greener as the year progresses; some may remain through the winter, while others will fade. Cut away damaged fronds in early spring to allow the new growth to shine. Scaly male fern Cristata The King holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. A good, low-maintenace fern for woodland gardens or for an architectural effect in a partially shaded border. Site: ShelteredSoil: Any moist but well-drained, humus-rich soilPosition: Partial shadeSeason of interest: All yearHardiness: Very hardyHeight: up to 4’ (120cm) Spread: 3’ (90cm)