Overview
Polystichum aculeatum is a bushy ferns in the genus Polystichum, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Polystichum aculeatum grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
About
Polystichum aculeatum, commonly known as hard shield fern or prickly shield fern, is a bushy evergreen fern from the Dryopteridaceae family. It typically grows to a height and spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This fern thrives in full or partial shade, favouring north- or east-facing, sheltered aspects. It adapts well to various soil types including chalk, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels, provided the soil is well-drained. Polystichum aculeatum is a low-maintenance plant valued for its winter interest.
About the genus
Polystichum is a genus of ferns in the family Dryopteridaceae, subfamily Dryopteridoideae, according to the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016. The genus has about 500 species and has a cosmopolitan distribution. The highest diversity is in eastern Asia, with about 208 species in China alone; the region from Mexico to Brazil has at least 100 additional species; Africa, North America, and Europe have much lower diversity.
Wikipedia contributors, "Polystichum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polystichum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Polystichum
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Polystichum aculeatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polystichum aculeatum
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes in spring, Bulbils in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Polystichum aculeatum?
Polystichum aculeatum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Polystichum aculeatum need?
Polystichum aculeatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Polystichum aculeatum grow?
Polystichum aculeatum reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Polystichum aculeatum hardy in the UK?
Polystichum aculeatum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Polystichum aculeatum?
Division of rhizomes in spring, Bulbils in autumn.
More in the Polystichum genus
- Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen'
- Polystichum setiferum 'Dahlem'Soft Shield Fern
- Polystichum adiantiforme
- Polystichum discretum