About
An evergreen fern forming a neat rosette of bipinnate, erect or arching, leathery dark green, lance-shaped fronds to 90cm long, with slightly prickly pinnules.
About the genus
Polystichum are mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen ferns, with short stout rhizomes and pinnately divided fronds in neat shuttlecock-like rosettes
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Native toEurope, N Africa, Middle East
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningRemove dead fronds before new ones unfurl
PropagationPropagate by spores, sow spores at 15-16°C (59-61°F) when ripe. Divide rhizomes in spring or detach fronds bearing bulbils in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceDense plantings may be susceptible to grey moulds (botrytis) or the fungal disease Taphrina wettsteiniana