Overview
Polystichum lentum is a tufted ferns in the genus Polystichum, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Polystichum lentum grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Polystichum lentum is a tufted evergreen fern belonging to the genus Polystichum, known for its robust, short rhizomes and pinnately divided fronds arranged in neat rosettes. This fern thrives in moist, humus-rich soils and prefers full or partial shade, making it suitable for north, east, or west-facing aspects. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and can tolerate a range of soil types and pH levels, from chalk to clay and acid to alkaline. Polystichum lentum is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, flower borders, and underplanting roses and shrubs, with interest in spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Polystichum
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, 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 lentum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polystichum lentum
- Propagation
- Sowing spores, Division of rhizomes, Bulbils
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free outdoors
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Polystichum lentum?
Polystichum lentum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Polystichum lentum need?
Polystichum lentum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Polystichum lentum hardy in the UK?
Polystichum lentum 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 lentum?
Sowing spores, Division of rhizomes, Bulbils.
More in the Polystichum genus
- Polystichum aculeatumhard shield fern
- Polystichum craspedosorum
- Polystichum lonchitismountain holly fern
- Polystichum nepalense
- Polystichum polyblepharumJapanese lace fern
- Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen'
- Polystichum setiferum 'Dahlem'Soft Shield Fern
- Polystichum vestitum
