Species

4 other cultivars

fern

Barnes' Male Fern

Q: What zones can Barnes' Male Fern grow in?

Barnes' Male Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Q: Is Barnes' Male Fern deer resistant?

Yes — Barnes' Male Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

Q: When does Barnes' Male Fern bloom?

Barnes' Male Fern typically blooms in early spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Q: Does Barnes' Male Fern need full sun?

Barnes' Male Fern does best in part shade.

Dryopteris filix-mas 'Barnesii'

$22.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Dryopteris filix-mas, commonly known as the male fern, is a robust perennial fern characterized by its large, arching fronds with pinnate leaflets and a lush, green appearance throughout the growing season.

The 'Barnesii' cultivar is distinguished by its particularly vigorous growth habit and finely divided fronds, making it an attractive and hardy addition to shaded woodland gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds lush greenery and texture to shaded areas, evergreen foliage provides year-round interest.

Prevents soil erosion in shaded, moist areas, improves garden biodiversity.

Supports local insect populations and provides habitat for small wildlife.

SpeciesDryopteris filix-masMale Fern

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fern

Height

30 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moist

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe and Asia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early spring – Late fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plant Delights Nursery

<1 Gal Pot1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$22.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck spores into moist soil in spring.
Keep soil consistently moist for best growth.
Mist fronds regularly to increase humidity.
Provide filtered shade for optimal health.
Mulch around base to retain moisture.
Transplant in early spring if needed.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains moist and provide filtered shade for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize lightly in early spring

Don't

Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade garden borderWoodland edgeMoisture-loving bed

Companion Plants

Hosta Astilbe Trillium LigulariaJapanese Forest Grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Barnes' Male Fern questions

What zones can Barnes' Male Fern grow in?

Barnes' Male Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Barnes' Male Fern deer resistant?

Yes — Barnes' Male Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Barnes' Male Fern bloom?

Barnes' Male Fern typically blooms in early spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Barnes' Male Fern need full sun?

Barnes' Male Fern does best in part shade.