About

A clump-forming, evergreen fern attaining around 40cm with very dark stems and shiny dark green foliage.

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

SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Clay, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Acid, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

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
Native toNE China, Korea

Care notes

CultivationBest grown in moist but free draining soil in partial shade. For more information see advice page how to grow ferns.
PruningGenerally not required
PropagationPropagte by division or spores
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free