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