Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata The King'

Considered the 'king of the ferns' this splendidly symmetrical hybrid reaches an impressive size of up to 4'. This is a striking ‘must have’ variety.

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. It prefers moist, humusy, acidic soils with protection from wind. 'The King' has graceful, arching fronds with curiously twisted foliage, each leaflet divided at the tips and attractive fiddleheads that unfurl in spring. It makes a great specimen plant or a backdrop for shade-loving flowering perennials. It has no serious pest or disease problems, but does require evenly moist soil. If plants begin to dry out, they will wilt and change colour slightly as a warning they need more water.