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 low maintenance. Suggested uses include underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It is native to Japan and South Korea.
About
Polystichum polyblepharum, the Japanese lace fern or tassel fern, is a species of plant in the wood fern family Dryopteridaceae, native to Japan and South Korea. Growing to 1 m (3.3 ft) tall and broad, it forms clumps ("shuttlecocks") of evergreen fronds. It is grown in temperate regions as an ornamental subject, enjoying damp, well-drained soil in shade or dappled shade. It has been given the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full shade and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and north-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polystichum polyblepharum
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, 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
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Japan, South Korea
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polystichum polyblepharum
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations; mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter
- Pruning
- Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to maintain appearance and encourage new growth
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes in spring, Bulbils in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Polystichum polyblepharum?
Prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations; mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.
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 old or damaged fronds in early spring to maintain appearance and encourage new growth.
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 an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Polystichum polyblepharum?
Division of rhizomes in spring, Bulbils in autumn.
More in the Polystichum genus
- Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen'
- Polystichum setiferum 'Dahlem'Soft Shield Fern
- Polystichum adiantiforme
- Polystichum discretum
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