About
An evergreen fern forming a 'shuttlecock' of spreading, glossy dark green, bipinnate fronds; attractive young fronds yellowish-green, more erect and covered with hair-like golden scales.
About the genus
Polystichum are mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen ferns, with short stout rhizomes and pinnately divided fronds in neat shuttlecock-like rosettes
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Rock garden, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toE Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningRemove dead fronds before new ones unfurl
PropagationPropagate 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 resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but may be susceptible to grey moulds (botrytis) or the fungal disease Taphrina wettsteiniana