About

A clump-forming, evergreen fern with arching, lance-shaped, bipinnate fronds, divided into glossy, toothed, oblong to ovate, dark green leaflets, yellow-green when young, green when mature.

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 typeLoam, Sand, Chalk, Clay
Soil pHNeutral, Acid, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in a shaded position in a moist but well drained soil. See how to grow ferns
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free