About

Polystichum braunii is an evergreen to semi-evergreen fern with erect to arching, lance-shaped, twice-divided, bristle-tipped, dark green fronds; young fronds are densely covered with orange-brown scales when unfurling in the spring.

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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toTemperate N Hemisphere

Care notes

CultivationGrows well in moist but well-drained, cool, humus-rich soils in full or partial shade
PruningRemove dead or damaged fronds in early spring
PropagationPropagate by division or from spores
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free