Overview
Polystichum vestitum is a tufted ferns in the genus Polystichum, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Polystichum vestitum grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Polystichum vestitum is an evergreen, tufted fern cultivar within the Polystichum genus, known for its robust, short rhizomes and pinnately divided fronds arranged in orderly rosettes. It thrives in moist, humus-rich soils that are well-drained and can tolerate a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for full or partial shade, it is hardy to UK zone H7 and adapts well to both exposed and sheltered aspects, including north, east, and west-facing positions. This fern is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, flower borders, beds, and underplanting of roses and shrubs, offering seasonal interest in spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Polystichum
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Polystichum vestitum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polystichum vestitum
- Propagation
- Sowing spores, Division of rhizomes, Bulbils
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free outdoors
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Polystichum vestitum?
Polystichum vestitum prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Polystichum vestitum need?
Polystichum vestitum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Polystichum vestitum hardy in the UK?
Polystichum vestitum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Polystichum vestitum?
Sowing spores, Division of rhizomes, Bulbils.
More in the Polystichum genus
- Polystichum aculeatumhard shield fern
- Polystichum craspedosorum
- Polystichum lonchitismountain holly fern
- Polystichum nepalense
- Polystichum polyblepharumJapanese lace fern
- Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen'
- Polystichum setiferum 'Dahlem'Soft Shield Fern
- Polystichum lentum