Polystichum polyblepharum
Japanese lace fern
An evergreen fern forming a 'shuttlecock' of spreading, glossy dark green, bipinnate fronds; attractive young fronds yellowish-green, more erect and covered with hair-like golden scales
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Bronze | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Polystichum are mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen ferns, with short stout rhizomes and pinnately divided fronds in neat shuttlecock-like rosettes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in deep or partial shade; protect crowns from excessive winter wet and provide a mulch around the crown to prevent crown from drying out. See how to grow ferns for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by spores, sow spores at 15-16°C (59-61°F) when ripe; divide rhizomes in spring or detach fronds bearing bulbils in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Rock garden
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Remove dead fronds before new ones unfurl
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to grey moulds (botrytis) or the fungal disease Taphrina wettsteiniana
Get involved
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