Polystichum setiferum
soft shield fern
A tufted, evergreen fern to 1.2m in height, with rosettes of soft textured, lance-shaped mid-green fronds, the stalks with prominent orange-brown scales
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
- Europe, Asia, Africa
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
- Wildflower meadow
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
Pests
Generally pest-free outdoors
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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