Robust Male Fern

As its name suggests, the Robust Male Fern is a vigorous, larger fern, with fronds that can reach 5 feet, but are more often between 3 and 4 feet tall. It forms bold, dense clumps of green foliage, perfect for filling larger spaces in shady places. Depending where you garden, it can be deciduous, with fronds dying in winter, evergreen, or somewhere in between. The fronds are deeply divided and rather upright, arching over in the topmost part. They are very ruffled and undulating, giving a full, rich look. This bold plant is ideal for shady areas, and is more drought tolerant than many other ferns are, so it’s great for planting beneath larger trees. Grow it on banks, along the edges of woodland paths, or to fill larger spots in beds of shade-loving plants. It will tolerate the deep shade beneath evergreens, but will not be as vigorous or large as it can be in better locations.

• Bold and vigorous, with fronds 3 to 5 feet tall
• Beautiful upright, arching fronds that are finely-divided and ruffled
• Ideal for filling larger areas beneath trees and on banks
• More tolerant of dryness and deep shade than most other ferns are
• Deciduous to evergreen, depending on your growing zone

Plant the Robust Male Fern in partial or complete shade, avoiding hot afternoon sun. The best growth will be in light shade, such as beneath deciduous trees, but it has good tolerance of deep shade under evergreens, although grow will be less vigorous. Plant in rich, well-drained but moist soil – as a fern it has limited drought tolerance, but it does have noticeable more tolerance of drier conditions than most other ferns. It isn’t eaten by deer or by rabbits, and doesn’t have any pest or disease problems. When grown in colder areas, cut back the dead fronds in late fall or early spring. Where it is evergreen, remove dead fronds as necessary.