Robust Male Fern

Dryopteris filix-mas 'Robusta'

Pronunciation: drye-OPP-ter-iss FY-liks mas roh-BUS-tuh
SKU #03626
4-8

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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.
LIGHT: Full shade
WATER: Keep soil moist, but not soggy.
SIZE: Quickly forms foliage clumps 4 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide, or wider.

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This Plant's Growing Zones: 4-8

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Bloom TimePrized for foliage.
Deciduous/EvergreenSemi-Evergreen
Special FeaturesFast Growing
Problems/SolutionsDeer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Growth RateFast
Growth HabitClumping
Landscape UseBorder, Container, Ground Cover, Edging
Design IdeasA 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.
Foliage ColorGreen
Companion PlantsAzalea (Azalea); Camellia (Camellia); Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa); Rhododendron (Rhododendron); Astilbe (Astilbe)
Care InstructionsProvide 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.
LoreIn 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.
Details
Bloom TimePrized for foliage.
Deciduous/EvergreenSemi-Evergreen
Special FeaturesFast Growing
Problems/SolutionsDeer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Growth RateFast
Growth HabitClumping
Style
Landscape UseBorder, Container, Ground Cover, Edging
Design IdeasA 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.
Foliage ColorGreen
Companion PlantsAzalea (Azalea); Camellia (Camellia); Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa); Rhododendron (Rhododendron); Astilbe (Astilbe)
Care
Care InstructionsProvide 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.
History
LoreIn 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.

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About Us

We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly

100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr.
in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.

We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.