This fern is deciduous so all its fronds will die back in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again each spring.

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: moist, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A native, male fern found naturally in moist woodlands around the UK. This large, deciduous fern has feathery, green fronds which form a distinctive, shuttlecock shape and turn coppery in autumn. It makes a fine companion for shade-loving woodland plants, especially other ferns, and when its leaves die back, the space can be filled with early flowering spring bulbs such as snowdrops.
  
  
• Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole. Cut back dead fronds in winter.