Set of 3 or 6 Soft Shield Fern Polystichum Setiferum Plants, Hardy Evergreen Shade Perennials, 1 Litre Root-Ball

Transform shady corners of your garden with this collection of six Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum) plants. Renowned for their graceful, finely divided fronds that arch elegantly from a central crown, these ferns bring lush, year-round greenery to areas where many other plants struggle. Each plant is supplied as a well-established 1 litre root-ball, ready to plant out and settle in quickly.

Polystichum setiferum is one of the most reliable and attractive native British ferns, widely celebrated for its soft-textured, shuttlecock-like habit. The mid-green fronds are beautifully detailed with delicate pinnae, creating a layered, feathery appearance that adds texture and depth to borders, woodland plantings and containers. As a fully hardy evergreen, it retains its foliage throughout winter, providing structure and interest even in the coldest months.

These ferns are exceptionally low-maintenance once established. They thrive in moist, humus-rich soil and are perfectly suited to shaded and partially shaded positions beneath trees, along north-facing walls or tucked into sheltered borders. They combine beautifully with hostas, heucheras, hellebores and other shade-loving perennials.

What's Included:

• 6 x Polystichum setiferum (Soft Shield Fern) plants


• Each supplied as an established 1 litre root-ball


• Growers mix of selected Polystichum setiferum varieties for a natural, varied display

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Polystichum setiferum


• Common Names: Soft Shield Fern, Hedge Fern


• Classification: Hardy Evergreen Perennial Fern


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 60–120 cm × 60–90 cm (variety dependent)


• Growth Habit: Clump-Forming with Graceful, Arching Fronds


• Perfect For: Shady Borders, Woodland Gardens, Underplanting, North-Facing Walls, Containers


• Planting Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade


• Soil: Moist but Well-Drained, Humus-Rich


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (RHS H5–H7)


• Foliage: Soft, Finely Divided, Mid-Green Evergreen Fronds


• RHS Award: Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM)


• Wildlife Value: Provides Shelter for Insects and Small Wildlife

Planting and Care Tips:

• Plant in a sheltered, shaded or partially shaded position


• Prepare the planting area with plenty of organic matter such as leaf mould or garden compost


• Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system


• Apply a mulch around the base in spring to help retain moisture and suppress weeds


• Remove any old or damaged fronds in late spring as new growth emerges from the crown


• No regular feeding is required, though a light application of general-purpose fertiliser in spring can be beneficial

Notes: This collection is supplied as a growers mix of selected Polystichum setiferum varieties, offering a natural variation in frond form and texture for a more interesting and authentic woodland planting scheme.

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.