Overview
Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen' is a bushy fern in the genus Polystichum, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds.
About
Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen' is a cultivar of the fern genus Polystichum (family Dryopteridaceae). It follows the genus habit of producing a crown of fronds from a stout, slowly creeping rootstock. Polystichum species occur across the globe, with the greatest species richness in eastern Asia. Many members of the genus are terrestrial or grow on rock faces and are frequently recorded on stream banks, talus slopes and road cuts.
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
In the garden
Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen' belongs to Polystichum, a large genus of around 500 fern species within the Dryopteridaceae, with a cosmopolitan distribution and particularly high diversity in eastern Asia. Members of the genus occupy a wide range of sites from warm-temperate lowlands to montane and a few alpine locations; many are found on soil or among rocks and in disturbed situations such as road cuts and talus slopes. Plant it where the cultivar can reproduce the genus habit: allow the slowly creeping rootstock room to form a crown of fronds. Polystichum species are commonly encountered on stream banks and rocky ground, so this cultivar will suit soil or rock crevices and drained banks where moisture is available seasonally. The stipes in the genus characteristically carry prominent scales and often fine cilia, and fronds are borne in a vase-like ring. In a UK setting, place 'Herrenhausen' where its clump can be seen from a path or border edge — rock gardens, streamside plantings and creviced walls mirror the natural sites where Polystichum grows. Give the crown space to renew each year and situate it where the fronds can be inspected at close range rather than buried beneath larger shrubs.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Polystichum
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fern
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen'
- Propagation
- Division of rhizomes in spring, Bulbils in autumn, Spores when ripe
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen'?
Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen' need?
Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen' hardy in the UK?
Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen' 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 set. 'Herrenhausen'?
Division of rhizomes in spring, Bulbils in autumn, Spores when ripe.
