Polystichum setiferum (Divisilobum Group) 'Divisilobum Densum'

RHS Plant Profile

soft shield fern 'Divisilobum Densum'

Synonyms

Polystichum setiferum 'Densum'

Ferns

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A more-or-less evergreen fern forming a rosette of spreading, thin-textured triangular fronds which are 4-pinnate with densely overlapping pinnae giving a mossy appearance, the young fronds with silvery scales

Position

Full shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

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

Position

Full shade

Aspect: South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or 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: Semi 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

Easy to grow in most cool, fertile, moist, humus-rich, shaded soils. Protect crowns from excessive winter wet. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe, division of rhizomes in spring or by bulbils in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Patio and container plants
City and courtyard gardens
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds
Ground cover
Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free outdoors

Diseases

May be susceptible to Taphrina wettsteiniana