Overview
Polystichum setiferum 'Congestum' is a clump forming fern in the genus Polystichum, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Polystichum setiferum 'Congestum' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include shade garden, woodland garden 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, or the soft shield fern, is an evergreen or semi-evergreen fern native to southern and western Europe. The stalks and most midribs are coated with cinnamon-brown scales.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polystichum setiferum
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
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained, humus-rich
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east, west
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Polystichum setiferum 'Congestum' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fern
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- shade garden, woodland garden, 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 'Congestum'
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered, shady positions with moist, humus-rich soil. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent frond scorch.
- Pruning
- Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or spore propagation.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Polystichum setiferum 'Congestum'?
Prefers sheltered, shady positions with moist, humus-rich soil. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent frond scorch.
Where is the best place to plant Polystichum setiferum 'Congestum'?
Polystichum setiferum 'Congestum' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Polystichum setiferum 'Congestum' need?
Polystichum setiferum 'Congestum' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, well-drained and humus-rich. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Polystichum setiferum 'Congestum'?
Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
Is Polystichum setiferum 'Congestum' hardy in the UK?
Polystichum setiferum 'Congestum' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Polystichum setiferum 'Congestum'?
Division in spring or spore propagation.
More in the Polystichum genus
- Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen'
- Polystichum setiferum 'Dahlem'Soft Shield Fern
- Polystichum adiantiforme
- Polystichum discretum