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Dryopteris affinis (Polydactyla Group) 'Polydactyla Mapplebeck'

scaly male fern 'Polydactyla Mapplebeck'

'Polydactyla Mapplebeck' is a robust semi-evergreen perennial to 1.2m tall, forming a rosette of arching fronds, boldly forked and crested at the apex, the pinnae also crested

Synonyms
Dryopteris filix-mas 'Cristata Mapplebeck'
Dryopteris filix-mas 'Mapplebeck'
see moreDryopteris affinis subsp. borreri 'Polydactyla Mapplebeck'
Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis 'Polydactyla Mapplebeck'
Dryopteris affinis 'Mappleback'

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Dryopteris can be deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen ferns, with stout, erect or decumbent rhizomes and shuttlecock-like rosettes of lance-shaped to ovate, pinnately divided fronds

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well

Propagation

Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free outdoors

Diseases

Generally disease-free outdoors

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