Polystichum setiferum (Soft Shield Fern) – Evergreen Fern, Growers Mix (Set of 3 or 6)

Graceful, finely divided fronds arching from a central crown, sent as a growers mix of selected forms.

The soft shield fern is one of the most reliable native British ferns, with a soft textured, shuttlecock habit and mid green fronds picked out in delicate pinnae. It is fully evergreen, so it keeps its foliage through winter and holds the shape of a shaded bed in the coldest months. It holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

This set is supplied as a growers mix of selected Polystichum setiferum varieties, so the frond form varies a little from plant to plant and the planting looks natural rather than uniform. It goes well with hostas, heucheras and hellebores under trees or along a north facing wall.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Soft shield fern, hedge fern
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 60cm to 120cm tall by 60cm to 90cm wide, depending on the variety
• Growth Habit: Clump forming, with gracefully arching fronds
• Perfect For: Shady borders, woodland gardens, underplanting, north facing walls and containers
• Foliage: Soft, finely divided, mid green fronds, held all year
• Flowering Time: None. Ferns carry no flowers and spread by spores.
• Planting Position: Partial shade to full shade, sheltered from wind. Grows well in a container.
• Soil Type: Humus rich soil that drains freely. It resents sitting wet through winter, so avoid heavy, waterlogged ground.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy. It comes through a British winter outdoors without protection.
• Maintenance: Low. Cut away old or tired fronds in early spring before the new ones unfurl, and mulch in spring to hold moisture in.
• Seasonal Interest: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
• Type: Hardy evergreen fern, holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit

Free UK Delivery on Every Order

All orders placed Monday–Thursday before 2pm are packed the next working day and delivered within 24 hours of dispatch.

Example: Order on Monday → packed Tuesday → delivered Wednesday.

Orders placed Friday–Sunday are packed and shipped on Monday. We don't dispatch on weekends to ensure your plants travel fresh.

How Your Plants Arrive
Every plant is individually wrapped in our plastic-free packaging and secured in a custom box designed to keep them upright and protected in transit. If anything arrives damaged, get in touch — we'll replace it.

Returns
Not happy? Contact us within 14 days of delivery and we'll sort it out. See our full returns policy here.