Description
Dryopteris Filix Mas | Male Fern
Dryopteris Filix Mas, known as a Male Fern, is a hardy species of the northern Hemisphere which has feathered and crested deep green foliage. As with most ferns, Dryopteris Filix Mas prefers moist soil but avoid water-logged areas. Dryopteris Filix Mas Male Fern Grows best around ponds in damp, but not water-logged ground, in a sheltered position. Tidy old foliage as required.
A Male Fern is sometimes known as Worm fern, favouring damp shaded areas in woodlands, shaded places on hedge-banks, rocks, and broken rock. Dryopteris filix-mas is a robust semi-evergreen with vigorous growth. The male fern exhibits tall upright feathery fronds and will grow in full sun, but it does need moist soil.
Dryopteris Filix Mas, or Male Fern, will thrive in damp, shady woodland environments and is often grown for decoration around ponds.
Dryopteris Filix Mas is very hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as −20 °C (−4 °F).
How can you tell if a Fern is male or female?
A female fern is another name for Lady Fern. Both "male" and "female" ferns are named due to the way the sori are hidden on the undersides of their fronds. A Male Fern is another type of fern which you can identify by its deeply divided leaves that come out from the stem in opposite pairs. "Lady fern" and "female fern" refer to how its reproductive structures (sori) are concealed in an inconspicuous "female" manner on the frond, and how elegant and graceful it appears.
Where do you plant moisture loving pond plants?
Moisture loving pond plants, such as the Dryopteris Filix Mas Male Fern, are suited for planting in damp areas at the side of your garden pond alongside pond plants that can tolerate drier conditions. Broad-leaved moisture loving pond plants are ideal for providing a moist area with cover for frogs, toads and other pond wildlife.
For a guide to planting and maintaining moisture loving pond plants please click here.
Features
Height: 45-60cm
Growth Rate: Medium
Flowers: N/A
Flower Colour: N/A
Position: Full to part shade
Planting Depth: to root ball
Please note: photo is for illustrative purposes and depending on time of year and growth rate may not reflect exactly what you receive. Pond Plants are shipped directly from the grower and are subject to a one-off £5.99 delivery surcharge regardless or order size/value. Please allow 3-10 working days for delivery on average.

In stock orders placed before 2pm will be despatched on the same working day (not including palletised items, pond plants or fibreglass ponds).
Pre-orders are shipped once we have the stock available and will be shipped using the service chosen at checkout.
All services are working day services and do not include delivery on Saturdays and Sundays or public holidays as standard. Deliveries are usually Monday to Friday only, although some Royal Mail items may be delivered on weekends as standard if the service is available in your area.
SERVICE | SPEND | COST |
Packet/Courier items | ||
Royal Mail (2-3 days) | £0.00-£49.99 | £2.99 |
Royal Mail Next Day (1-2 days) | £0.00-£49.99 | £4.99 |
Parcelforce 24 (1 day) | £0.00-£49.99 | £7.99 |
Parcelforce 24 (1 day) | £50 and up | FREE |
Pallets (booked in) | aquariums / bulky items | |
Pallets Standard (3-5 days) |
- | FREE |
Pallets Express (1-2 days) |
- | £39.99 |
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*EXCLUDED ITEMS | extra delivery fees apply: | |
Fibreglass Ponds (booked in) | ||
Zone 1 (7-10 days) |
- | £79.99 |
Zone 2 (7-14 days) | - | £149.99 |
Zone 3 (7-21 days) | - | £249.99 |
Pond Plants (direct from grower) |
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All pond plants (3-10 days) | one-off fee regardless of order size/value | £5.99 |
Please see our full delivery information page and terms and conditions for detailed information on shipping policies and zones