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

Soft, finely divided fronds arching from a shuttlecock crown, evergreen and steady all year.

The soft shield fern is a stalwart of woodland planting and shaded borders, and it holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its performance. The mid green fronds keep their looks through the depths of winter, which is what makes it worth planting in threes.

It is remarkably adaptable for a fern. It prefers moist, humus rich ground that drains freely, but once established it will tolerate drier shade than most, and it makes good ground cover beneath trees and shrubs. Trim old fronds away in late winter before the new growth comes.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Soft shield fern
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 60cm to 120cm tall by 60cm to 120cm wide
• Growth Habit: Arching, shuttlecock forming rosette
• Perfect For: Shaded borders, woodland gardens, ground cover 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, and the source rates it to minus 20 degrees.
• 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