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Key characteristics

Family: Dryopteridaceae
Height: 24 to 48 inches
Width: 24 to 36 inches
Flower color: Non-flowering
Foliage color: Glossy, dark green, upright fronds
Bloom time: N/A
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; remove old fronds in early spring
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 8
Wildlife: Provides habitat and shelter for small wildlife and beneficial insects

Perennials

Dryopteris affinis 'Revolvens'

Gold-scaled Male Fern

Dryopteris affinis 'Revolvens' is a robust, evergreen fern with broad, finely divided fronds that display a rich green color throughout the growing season. Its gracefully arching fronds feature a distinctive glossy texture, giving the plant an elegant, layered appearance. While ferns don't produce flowers, 'Revolvens' adds year-round interest with its lush foliage and structural beauty in shaded garden areas.

Originating from Europe, this variety is a cultivated form of the golden-scaled male fern, selected for its resilience and attractive frond structure.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

N/A

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Astilbes · Heucheras · Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff · Foamflowers · Epimediums

Design tip

Use it as a steady framework plant, repeating it along a bed to tie separate plantings together. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun and layer it with woodland companions for a full, settled look.