Overview

Polystichum aculeatum 'Plumosum' 'Pulcherrimum' is a fern in the genus Polystichum, part of the Dryopteridaceae family. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Polystichum aculeatum 'Plumosum' 'Pulcherrimum' grows best in full shade, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

About

Polystichum aculeatum 'Plumosum' 'Pulcherrimum' is a fern cultivar in the Dryopteridaceae that reaches around 0.8 m and is intended for shaded sites. It prefers full shade and performs best in sandy or loamy soils kept moist but well-drained. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and also suitable for USDA zones 4–8. Native distribution records include regions of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polystichum aculeatum

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

In the garden

Polystichum aculeatum 'Plumosum' 'Pulcherrimum' belongs to the Polystichum genus and traces its origins to parts of Belgium and neighbouring regions in Luxembourg. It grows to roughly 0.8 m, making it a medium-height fern for shaded planting schemes. Its hardiness ratings (H7 in the UK and USDA 4–8) mean it tolerates the coldest UK garden conditions where the site otherwise matches its moisture and light needs. Position the plant in full shade; avoid direct sun. Soils should be sandy or loamy and kept moist but well-drained — waterlogging should be avoided while the root run establishes. Because of its height, allow planting space that gives fronds room to develop without crowding; a single specimen typically needs up to 0.8 m of clearance at maturity. No specialised soils are required beyond those texture and moisture parameters. In the UK it suits shaded borders, fernery pockets and sheltered understorey plantings where a mid-height fern is needed. Sit it alongside other shade-tolerant herbaceous perennials or beneath the canopy of larger shrubs and trees so it remains in full shade and the soil stays evenly moist. Allow approximately 0.8 m for mature frond spread when planning positions.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Polystichum

Sunlight

Full shade

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Polystichum aculeatum 'Plumosum' 'Pulcherrimum' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Fern

Height

0.8 m

Native to

Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Frequently asked questions

More in the Polystichum genus

• 
  Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen'
• 
  Polystichum setiferum 'Dahlem'Soft Shield Fern
• Polystichum adiantiforme
• Polystichum discretum