Overview
Polystichum polyblepharum is a bushy ferns in the genus Polystichum, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Polystichum polyblepharum grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, rock garden, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants. It is native to E Asia.
About
Polystichum polyblepharum is an evergreen fern that develops a distinctive 'shuttlecock' shape, featuring wide, glossy dark green fronds that are bipinnate. The young fronds emerge in a yellowish-green hue, standing more upright and adorned with fine, golden scales.
About the genus
Polystichum comprises predominantly evergreen or semi-evergreen ferns characterized by robust, short rhizomes and fronds that are pinnately divided, arranged in orderly rosettes resembling shuttlecocks.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Polystichum
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Polystichum polyblepharum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- E Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polystichum polyblepharum
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in deep or partial shade; protect crowns from excessive winter wet and provide a mulch around the crown to prevent crown from drying out. See how to grow ferns for further advice
- Pruning
- Remove dead fronds before new ones unfurl
- Propagation
- Propagate by spores, sow spores at 15-16°C (59-61°F) when ripe; divide rhizomes in spring or detach fronds bearing bulbils in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to grey moulds (botrytis) or the fungal disease Taphrina wettsteiniana
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Polystichum polyblepharum?
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in deep or partial shade; protect crowns from excessive winter wet and provide a mulch around the crown to prevent crown from drying out. See how to grow ferns for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Polystichum polyblepharum?
Polystichum polyblepharum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Polystichum polyblepharum need?
Polystichum polyblepharum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Polystichum polyblepharum?
Remove dead fronds before new ones unfurl.
How big does Polystichum polyblepharum grow?
Polystichum polyblepharum reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Polystichum polyblepharum hardy in the UK?
Polystichum polyblepharum has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Polystichum polyblepharum?
Propagate by spores, sow spores at 15-16°C (59-61°F) when ripe; divide rhizomes in spring or detach fronds bearing bulbils in autumn.