About
A clump-forming dwarf evergreen fern with dense, upright fronds, overlapping leaflets and mildly crested frond tips.
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
AspectWest-facing, North-facing, East-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 for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free