Photo: by Thomas Moore, edited by John Lindley; nature-printed by Henry Bradbury., Public domain · source
Pruning guide · Fern
Scaly male fern: when and how to prune
Dryopteris affinis
Scaly male fern is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Scaly male fern: when to prune it?
In March, before the new croziers unfurl.
What else to prune in those months? March
Scaly male fern: how to prune it?
- Cut the old, withered or flattened fronds back to just above the crown.
- Take care with the young croziers in the centre: cut around them, not through them.
- During the season you can cut damaged or withered fronds off at the base.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora)
- Broad buckler-fern
- Male fern
- Marginal wood fern (Dryopteris marginalis)
- Narrow buckler-fern
- Shaggy shield fern (Dryopteris cycadina)
Plant profile: Scaly male fern · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.