Overview
Polystichum braunii is a clump forming ferns in the genus Polystichum, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen, semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Polystichum braunii grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It is native to Labrador, Newfoundland, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec.
About
Polystichum braunii, commonly known as Braun's holly fern or bear's bed, is a clump-forming evergreen or semi-evergreen fern belonging to the genus Polystichum in the Dryopteridaceae family. This fern typically grows to a height and spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 5 to 10 years. It thrives in moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels, and is suited to shaded aspects including full and partial shade. Native to parts of Canada such as Labrador and Quebec, it is notable for its interest in spring and winter seasons.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polystichum braunii
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
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Polystichum braunii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Labrador, Newfoundland, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polystichum braunii
- Cultivation
- Prefers shaded, moist, well-drained soils; tolerates a range of soil types and pH; avoid waterlogged conditions
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring to maintain appearance
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes in spring, Bulbils in autumn, Sowing spores as soon as ripe
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Polystichum braunii?
Prefers shaded, moist, well-drained soils; tolerates a range of soil types and pH; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Polystichum braunii?
Polystichum braunii prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Polystichum braunii need?
Polystichum braunii is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Polystichum braunii?
Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring to maintain appearance.
How big does Polystichum braunii grow?
Polystichum braunii reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Polystichum braunii hardy in the UK?
Polystichum braunii 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 braunii?
Division of rhizomes in spring, Bulbils in autumn, Sowing spores as soon as ripe.
More in the Polystichum genus
- Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen'
- Polystichum setiferum 'Dahlem'Soft Shield Fern
- Polystichum adiantiforme
- Polystichum discretum