Common Male Fern

How to grow Common Male Fern

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

Plant in spring or autumn in shade or part shade with the crown at soil level. It is the most forgiving of the common native ferns and will cope with drier and more exposed shade than lady fern, which makes it the sensible first choice for difficult dark corners.

Pruning

Cut the old fronds back to the base in late winter, before the new croziers unroll. The dying fronds look reasonable through much of the winter and shelter the crown, so there is no benefit in tidying earlier.

Propagation

Divide clumps in spring. It also self-sows into shady damp corners, and seedlings transplant well while small.

Pests and diseases

Very few problems. Vine weevil can damage crowns in containers.

Value to wildlife

The dense crown and old fronds provide overwintering shelter for insects and cover for amphibians.

Notes

The most reliable large fern for general UK garden use. A spring mulch of leafmould keeps the roots cool and reduces the need for watering through summer.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Dryopteris filix-mas but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

Others in Dryopteris