About

A clump-forming dwarf evergreen fern with dense, upright fronds and overlapping leaflets.

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, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Acid, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeFerns
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

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
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free