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Polystichum aculeatum

hard shield fern

An evergreen fern forming a neat rosette of bipinnate, erect or arching, leathery dark green, narrowly lanceolate fronds to 90cm long, with slightly prickly pinnules

Other common names
prickly shield fern
Synonyms
Aspidium lobatum

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
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
Europe, N Africa, Middle East

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, humus-rich well-drained soil in deep or partial shade; protect the crowns from excessive winter wet and provide a mulch around the crown to prevent crown 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
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Low Maintenance
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Remove dead fronds before new ones unfurl

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Dense plantings may be susceptible to grey moulds (botrytis) or the fungal disease Taphrina wettsteiniana

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