Overview
Polystichum nepalense is a tufted ferns in the genus Polystichum, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Polystichum nepalense 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 nepalense is a tufted evergreen fern cultivar within the Polystichum genus, known for its robust, short rhizomes and pinnately divided fronds arranged in orderly rosettes. It thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and prefers full or partial shade, making it suitable for north, east, or west-facing aspects. This hardy plant (H7) adapts well to various soil types and pH levels, from chalk to clay and acid to alkaline. Ideal for cottage and informal gardens, it is often used in flower borders, beds, and as underplanting for roses and shrubs, with 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 nepalense 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 nepalense
- 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 nepalense?
Polystichum nepalense prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Polystichum nepalense need?
Polystichum nepalense 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 nepalense hardy in the UK?
Polystichum nepalense 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 nepalense?
Sowing spores, Division of rhizomes, Bulbils.
More in the Polystichum genus
- Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen'
- Polystichum setiferum 'Dahlem'Soft Shield Fern
- Polystichum adiantiforme
- Polystichum discretum