Polystichum acrostichoides is a fern from eastern North America notable for its winter presence. It reaches about 0.6 m. It prefers full shade on moist but well‑drained sandy or loamy soils with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Fully hardy in the UK (H7; USDA zones 4–9), it suits ground cover, woodland and shade gardens.

Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) is a shade fern from eastern North America that reaches about 0.6 m and prefers moist, well-drained soil.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystichum_acrostichoides

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.

Polystichum acrostichoides

Christmas fern | Polystichum acrostichoides

Polystichum aculeatum, commonly known as hard shield fern or prickly shield fern, is a bushy evergreen fern from the Dryopteridaceae family. It typically grows to a height and spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This fern thrives in full or partial shade, favouring north- or east-facing, sheltered aspects. It adapts well to various soil types including chalk, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels, provided the soil is well-drained. Polystichum aculeatum is a low-maintenance plant valued for its winter interest.

Hard shield fern (Polystichum aculeatum) is a hardy H7 perennial with dark green, leathery fronds, perfect for shaded UK gardens and winter interest.

Polystichum aculeatum

Hard shield fern | Polystichum aculeatum

Polystichum aculeatum 'Plumosum' 'Pulcherrimum' is a fern cultivar in the Dryopteridaceae that reaches around 0.8 m and is intended for shaded sites. It prefers full shade and performs best in sandy or loamy soils kept moist but well-drained. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and also suitable for USDA zones 4–8. Native distribution records include regions of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Polystichum aculeatum 'Plumosum' 'Pulcherrimum' is a shade fern to 0.8 m that prefers sandy to loamy soils kept moist but well-drained and is fully hardy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystichum_aculeatum

Polystichum aculeatum 'Plumosum' 'Pulcherrimum'

Hard Shield-Fern | Polystichum aculeatum 'Plumosum' 'Pulcherrimum'

Polystichum aculeatum 'Pulcherrimum Druery' is a fern that performs best in full shade and typically reaches about 0.8 m tall. It prefers moist but well-drained sandy or loamy soil. The cultivar is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and also suits USDA zones 4–8. It is native to Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Polystichum aculeatum 'Pulcherrimum Druery' prefers full shade in moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soil and is fully hardy in UK gardens.

Polystichum aculeatum 'Pulcherrimum Druery'

Hard Shield-Fern | Polystichum aculeatum 'Pulcherrimum Druery'

Polystichum adiantiforme is a fern in the Dryopteridaceae family and a member of the Polystichum genus, a largely terrestrial group. Species in this genus are often found on rocky ground, stream banks and disturbed slopes and commonly form a crown of fronds from a stout, slowly creeping rootstock. Garden use follows those natural preferences: place where the plant can occupy rock crevices, banks or shaded areas that mimic montane or warm‑temperate habitats. Expect a vase-like ring of fronds to arise from the crown as the season progresses.

Polystichum adiantiforme is a fern of the Polystichum genus typically associated with rocky, stream-side and montane habitats.

Polystichum adiantiforme

Polystichum braunii, commonly known as Braun's holly fern or bear's bed, is a clump-forming evergreen or semi-evergreen fern belonging to the genus Polystichum in the Dryopteridaceae family. This fern typically grows to a height and spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 5 to 10 years. It thrives in moist but well-drained soils of various types and pH levels, and is suited to shaded aspects including full and partial shade. Native to parts of Canada such as Labrador and Quebec, it is notable for its interest in spring and winter seasons.

Braun's holly fern (Polystichum braunii) is an evergreen fern ideal for full or partial shade, adding interest in spring and winter.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystichum_braunii

Polystichum braunii

Braun's holly fern | Polystichum braunii

Polystichum craspedosorum is a tufted cultivar of the Polystichum genus, which includes predominantly evergreen ferns with robust, short rhizomes and pinnately divided fronds arranged in rosettes. This evergreen fern thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and is suitable for shaded locations, including full and partial shade with north, east, or west-facing aspects. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and can grow in a variety of soil types and pH levels. Polystichum craspedosorum is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, flower borders, and underplanting roses and shrubs, offering interest in spring and summer.

Polystichum craspedosorum is an evergreen fern with pinnate fronds, thriving in shade and moist soil, ideal for low-maintenance borders and underplanting.

Polystichum craspedosorum

Polystichum discretum is a fern native to New Zealand, valued for planting in shaded, sheltered sites. Fresh frond growth is evident in spring and continues through summer. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil and suits both full shade and partial shade exposures. Position it where wind and harsh exposure are limited so fronds can open unbroken.

Polystichum discretum is a New Zealand fern for shade or partial shade, preferring moist, well‑drained soil in sheltered spots.

Polystichum discretum

Polystichum lentum is a tufted evergreen fern belonging to the genus Polystichum, known for its robust, short rhizomes and pinnately divided fronds arranged in neat rosettes. This fern thrives in moist, humus-rich soils and prefers full or partial shade, making it suitable for north, east, or west-facing aspects. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and can tolerate a range of soil types and pH levels, from chalk to clay and acid to alkaline. Polystichum lentum is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, flower borders, and underplanting roses and shrubs, with interest in spring and summer.

Polystichum lentum is a hardy evergreen fern with neat rosettes, ideal for shaded, low-maintenance borders and underplanting in cottage gardens.

Polystichum lentum

Polystichum lonchitis is a species of fern known by the common name northern hollyfern, or simply holly-fern. It is native to much of the Northern Hemisphere from Eurasia to Alaska to Greenland and south into mountainous central North America. It has stiff, glossy green, erect fronds and grows in moist, shady, rocky mountain habitats. In the garden it prefers full shade and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in moist, humus-rich soil in shade.

Polystichum lonchitis, commonly known as mountain holly fern, is part of the Dryopteridaceae family and features evergreen fronds that are intricately divided and arranged in neat rosettes. This species, also referred to as northern holly fern, is noted for its robust, short rhizomes that provide stability and vigor.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystichum_lonchitis

Polystichum lonchitis

Mountain holly fern | Polystichum lonchitis

Polystichum mohrioides is a tufted evergreen fern belonging to the genus Polystichum, known for its robust, short rhizomes and pinnately divided fronds arranged in orderly rosettes. This fern thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and is suitable for full or partial shade, making it ideal for north-, east-, or west-facing aspects. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and adapts well to various soil types and pH levels, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Polystichum mohrioides is well suited for cottage and informal gardens, flower borders, and underplanting of roses and shrubs, offering interest in spring and summer.

Polystichum mohrioides is an evergreen fern with pinnate fronds, thriving in shade and moist soil, ideal for low-maintenance borders and underplanting.

Polystichum mohrioides

Polystichum munitum, the western swordfern, is an evergreen perennial fern native to western North America, where it is one of the most abundant ferns in forested areas. It occurs along the Pacific coast from southeastern Alaska to southern California, and also inland east to southeastern British Columbia, northern Idaho and western Montana, with disjunctive populations in northern British Columbia, Canada; the Black Hills in South Dakota, United States; and Guadalupe Island off of Baja California, Mexico.

Polystichum munitum, western sword fern, is an evergreen, hardy fern ideal for shaded underplanting and winter interest in informal gardens.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystichum_munitum

Polystichum munitum

Western sword fern | Polystichum munitum

Polystichum munitum 'Inciso-serratum' is a fern cultivar that typically produces fronds to about 1.0 m. It prefers full shade and suits sandy or loamy soils that remain moist but drain freely. Hardiness ratings indicate it is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and grows within USDA zones 4–8. Allow space for the upright fronds when siting.

Polystichum munitum 'Inciso-serratum' thrives in full shade to about 1.0 m and prefers moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soil; fully hardy (H7).

Polystichum munitum 'Inciso-serratum'

Western Swordfern | Polystichum munitum 'Inciso-serratum'

Polystichum nepalense is a tufted evergreen 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 soil and prefers full or partial shade, making it suitable for north, east, or west-facing aspects. This hardy plant (H7) adapts well to various soil types and pH levels, from chalk to clay and acid to alkaline. Ideal for cottage and informal gardens, it is often used in flower borders, beds, and as underplanting for roses and shrubs, with interest in spring and summer.

Polystichum nepalense is an evergreen fern with pinnate fronds, thriving in shade and moist soil, ideal for low-maintenance cottage gardens and underplanting.

Polystichum nepalense

Polystichum polyblepharum, the Japanese lace fern or tassel fern, is a species of plant in the wood fern family Dryopteridaceae, native to Japan and South Korea. Growing to 1 m (3.3 ft) tall and broad, it forms clumps ("shuttlecocks") of evergreen fronds. It is grown in temperate regions as an ornamental subject, enjoying damp, well-drained soil in shade or dappled shade. It has been given the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full shade and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and north-facing and east-facing aspects.

Japanese lace fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) is a hardy, low-maintenance fern ideal for shady borders and winter interest in UK gardens.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystichum_polyblepharum

Polystichum polyblepharum

Japanese lace fern | Polystichum polyblepharum

Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen' is a cultivar of the fern genus Polystichum (family Dryopteridaceae). It follows the genus habit of producing a crown of fronds from a stout, slowly creeping rootstock. Polystichum species occur across the globe, with the greatest species richness in eastern Asia. Many members of the genus are terrestrial or grow on rock faces and are frequently recorded on stream banks, talus slopes and road cuts.

Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen' is a Polystichum cultivar that forms a crown of fronds and suits planting on soil or rock in locations such as stream.

Polystichum set. 'Herrenhausen'

Polystichum setiferum, commonly known as soft shield fern, is an evergreen fern cultivar within the genus Polystichum, which comprises about 500 species distributed worldwide. This tufted fern typically grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full height over 5 to 10 years. It thrives in full or partial shade and tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels, preferring moist but well-drained conditions. Polystichum setiferum is native to parts of Belgium, Luxembourg, and some Atlantic islands, and is noted for its low maintenance and winter interest.

Soft shield fern (Polystichum setiferum) is an evergreen fern growing up to 1.5m, ideal for full or partial shade with winter interest.

Polystichum setiferum

Soft shield fern | Polystichum setiferum

Polystichum setiferum 'Acutilobum' is a fern in the Dryopteridaceae prized for its soft, arching fronds. It suits shaded corners and forms a low, persistent clump that remains present in winter. Plant it where moisture and shelter are reliable. The cultivar is part of the wider Polystichum setiferum group, named for its bristly pinnae tips.

Soft Shield Fern Polystichum setiferum 'Acutilobum' thrives in partial shade on moist, humus-rich acidic to neutral soil and keeps fronds through winter.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystichum_setiferum

Polystichum setiferum 'Acutilobum'

Soft shield fern Acutilobum Group | Polystichum setiferum 'Acutilobum'

Polystichum setiferum, or the soft shield fern, is an evergreen or semi-evergreen fern native to southern and western Europe. The stalks and most midribs are coated with cinnamon-brown scales.

Polystichum setiferum 'Congestum' is an evergreen fern with cinnamon-brown scales, ideal for shade or woodland gardens and ground cover in UK climates.

Polystichum setiferum 'Congestum'

Polystichum setiferum 'Dahlem' is a cultivated form of the soft shield fern, notable for its soft-textured, arching fronds with softly bristled pinnule tips. Fronds typically measure 30–120 cm long and remain fresh-looking through the season, the plant being evergreen or semi-evergreen. Stipes and many midribs carry cinnamon-brown scales that are visible close to the crown.

Polystichum setiferum 'Dahlem' is a soft shield fern with 30–120 cm arching fronds and cinnamon-brown scaly stipes, suited to shaded, moist sites.

Polystichum setiferum 'Dahlem'

Soft Shield Fern | Polystichum setiferum 'Dahlem'

Polystichum setiferum 'Densum' is a fern in the Dryopteridaceae used as a shade ground cover in woodland and shaded borders. It prefers north- or east-facing, sheltered sites with consistently moist, humus-rich soil. Plant into acidic to neutral, well-drained soil and avoid exposed sunny positions. Ideal locations keep the root run shaded and damp rather than dry.

Polystichum setiferum 'Densum' (Soft Shield Fern) suits sheltered north- or east-facing shade and prefers moist, humus-rich acidic to neutral soil.

Polystichum setiferum 'Densum'

Soft Shield Fern | Polystichum setiferum 'Densum'

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).

Soft shield fern Divisilobum Group (Polystichum setiferum 'Divisilobum') prefers partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained acidic to.

Polystichum setiferum 'Divisilobum'

Soft shield fern Divisilobum Group | Polystichum setiferum 'Divisilobum'

Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosum Densum' is an evergreen fern with cinnamon-brown scales, ideal for shade or woodland gardens and ground cover.

Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosum Densum'

Polystichum tsus-simense, commonly known as the Korean rock fern, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to East Asia. Its common name corresponds with its ability to grow in shady areas of rock walls.

Korean rock fern (Polystichum tsussimense) is a hardy, low-maintenance fern ideal for shady spots and winter interest in cottage gardens.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystichum_tsus-simense

Polystichum tsussimense

Korean rock fern | Polystichum tsussimense

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.

Polystichum vestitum is an evergreen fern with pinnate fronds, thriving in shade and moist soils, ideal for low-maintenance borders and underplanting.