Polystichum mohrioides — Tufted

Overview

Polystichum mohrioides is a tufted ferns in the genus Polystichum, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Polystichum mohrioides 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 mohrioides is a tufted evergreen fern belonging to the genus Polystichum, known for its robust, short rhizomes and pinnately divided fronds arranged in orderly rosettes. This fern thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and is suitable for full or partial shade, making it ideal for north-, east-, or west-facing aspects. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and adapts well to various soil types and pH levels, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Polystichum mohrioides is well suited for cottage and informal gardens, flower borders, and underplanting of roses and shrubs, offering interest in spring and summer.

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: 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 mohrioides 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 mohrioides

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 mohrioides?

Polystichum mohrioides prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Polystichum mohrioides need?

Polystichum mohrioides 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 mohrioides hardy in the UK?

Polystichum mohrioides has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.