Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- 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
- Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in a shady site with soil enriched by decomposed leaf litter or similar organic matter. A compact and slow growing evergreen suitable for shady border edges. Water well in first year after which it will thrive in most moist but well drained soils. For more information see our advice page how to grow ferns.
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Ground cover
- Garden edging
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.