About
Polystichum setiferum, the soft shield fern, is a tufted, evergreen fern to 1.2 m producing rosettes of soft-textured, lance-shaped, mid-green fronds with prominent, orange-brown scales on the stalks. One of the most beautiful and reliable of all native ferns for a shaded, moist, sheltered 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. Among the most reliable and ornamental of all shade-tolerant ferns.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
Native toEurope, Asia, Africa
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most cool, fertile, moist, humus-rich, shaded soils. Protect crowns from excessive winter wet. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningDead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
PropagationPropagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe, division of rhizomes in spring or by bulbils in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free outdoors
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free