How to prune dryopteris affinis 'cristata'

Late winter to early spring, before new fronds unfurl. Cut old fronds back to just above the crown using clean, sharp scissors or secateurs. Avoid cutting into the central growing crown. Remove any fronds that are brown or heavily damaged at any time of year.

Annually in late winter; damaged fronds removed as needed. Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata' (crested male fern) benefits from removing old, tatty fronds in late winter before new crosiers emerge. It is semi-evergreen, so older fronds persist through winter but decline by spring. Annual tidy-up keeps the plant looking fresh and encourages strong new growth.

Cut old fronds back to just above the crown using clean, sharp scissors or secateurs. Avoid cutting into the central growing crown. Remove any fronds that are brown or heavily damaged at any time of year.