About
Clump-forming, evergreen or semi-evergreen ferns, with broad, lance-shaped, intricately divided fronds, clothed with white scales as they unfurl. The largest fronds can bear small plantlets on the upper-sides.
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 typeClay, Loam, Chalk, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Acid, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen, Evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a moist but free draining soil in partial shade. Can tolerate sun if the soil remains moist. See how to grow ferns
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division or plantlets
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free