About
Has mid green, narrowly triangular, bipinate evergreen leaf blades and its compact size make it a good choice for the front of a shady border.
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, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Native toJapan
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in a shady site with soil enriched by decomposed leaf litter or similar organic matter. A compact and slow growing evergreen suitable for shady border edges. Water well in first year after which it will thrive in most moist but well drained soils. For more information see our advice page how to grow ferns.
PruningDead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free