Overview

Polystichum setiferum 'Divisilobum' is a fern in the genus Polystichum, part of the Dryopteridaceae family. Polystichum setiferum 'Divisilobum' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic and neutral 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 'Divisilobum' is a fern in the Dryopteridaceae sold under the soft shield fern Divisilobum Group name. It favours partial to full shade and suits moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils with an acidic to neutral pH. Plant in a sheltered north, east or west aspect and expect the plant to remain in place through winter. It is rated H4 for UK hardiness (average).

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

In the garden

Polystichum setiferum 'Divisilobum' is a member of the Dryopteridaceae and originates from parts of north-western Europe and nearby islands, including regions of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, plus islands such as Madeira and Corvo. The Divisilobum Group is offered for gardens that can reproduce its preferred shady, moist conditions. Place it where it receives partial to full shade on a sheltered site facing north, east or west. The plant requires moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil and performs best on acidic to neutral ground; avoid exposed, windy positions. Its UK hardiness is H4, which is classed as average for the region, so choose a protected spot in colder areas. Use this fern in the shade garden or woodland garden as a ground-covering element; it works well beneath larger shrubs or trees where soil stays damp. Because the plants remain present through winter, they provide low-level structure in winter borders and beneath spring bulbs, keeping the planting layered into the colder months.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Polystichum

Sunlight

partial shade, shade

Soil type

moist, well-drained, humus-rich

Soil pH

acidic, neutral

Soil moisture

moist

Aspect

north, east, west

Exposure

sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Polystichum setiferum 'Divisilobum' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Fern

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 'Divisilobum'

Cultivation

Prefers sheltered, shady positions with moist, humus-rich soil. Avoid direct sunlight and dry conditions.

Pruning

Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to encourage new growth.

Propagation

Division in spring or autumn; spores can be used but are more difficult.

Frequently asked questions

More in the Polystichum genus

• 
  Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen'
• 
  Polystichum setiferum 'Dahlem'Soft Shield Fern
• Polystichum adiantiforme
• Polystichum discretum