Polystichum setiferum Plumosum Group

RHS Plant Profile

soft shield fern Plumosum Group

Synonyms

Polystichum plumosum

Ferns

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A clump-forming, evergreen fern with soft, overlapping fronds with a very lacy, graceful, multi-layered appearance

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Chalk, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Chalk Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Neutral or Acid or Alkaline

Position

Full shade Partial shade

Aspect: West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H7

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Dryopteridaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Clump forming
Genus: Polystichum are mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen ferns, with short stout rhizomes and pinnately divided fronds in neat shuttlecock-like rosettes
Name Status: Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well drained soil in partial or full shade. Benefits from an annual mulching or organic matter. See how to grow ferns

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance
Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free