Golden Scaled Male Fern 'Congesta'
Dryopteris affinis ‘Congesta’
4-inch pot
 
A compact and elegant evergreen fern, Congesta forms a dense, symmetrical mound of finely divided, glossy deep green fronds that bring year-round texture and structure to shaded gardens. The arching foliage emerges with warm golden scales along the stems, adding subtle seasonal interest and giving the plant a refined, almost architectural quality. Its naturally compact habit makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens and containers.
 
This slow-growing selection thrives in rich, humus-rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil and performs best in part shade to full shade. Low maintenance and long-lived, it is well suited to woodland gardens, shaded borders, and underplanting shrubs where its evergreen foliage provides reliable interest throughout the year.
 
Evergreen fern
Zones 5–8
Part shade to full shade
Grows 18–24 in. tall x 18–24 in. wide
Moderate water needs; prefers rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil
Deer-resistant
Foliage interest year-round