Overview
Polystichum setiferum is a tufted ferns in the genus Polystichum, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Polystichum setiferum 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 ground cover. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Madeira Island and Corvo Island.
About
Polystichum setiferum, commonly known as soft shield fern, is an evergreen fern cultivar within the genus Polystichum, which comprises about 500 species distributed worldwide. This tufted fern typically grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full height over 5 to 10 years. It thrives in full or partial shade and tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels, preferring moist but well-drained conditions. Polystichum setiferum is native to parts of Belgium, Luxembourg, and some Atlantic islands, and is noted for its low maintenance and winter interest.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Polystichum setiferum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Ground cover
- Native to
- Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Madeira Island, Corvo Island
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polystichum setiferum
- Cultivation
- Prefers shaded or semi-shaded positions with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Requires minimal maintenance once established.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged fronds in late winter or 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 setiferum?
Prefers shaded or semi-shaded positions with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Requires minimal maintenance once established.
Where is the best place to plant Polystichum setiferum?
Polystichum setiferum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Polystichum setiferum need?
Polystichum setiferum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Polystichum setiferum?
Remove dead or damaged fronds in late winter or early spring to maintain appearance and encourage new growth.
How big does Polystichum setiferum grow?
Polystichum setiferum reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Polystichum setiferum hardy in the UK?
Polystichum setiferum 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 setiferum?
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