Polystichum braunii (Braun's Holly Fern) – Evergreen Fern (Set of 3 or 6)

Arching dark green fronds with fine silvery white scales on the stems, refined and quietly textural.

Braun's holly fern is a robust, clump forming fern for cool, sheltered places where most plants struggle. The glossy bipinnate fronds unfurl in spring looking almost silver before they mature to a deep, rich green, and they stay on the plant all year.

It is a good answer for a shaded border, a north facing wall, the ground under trees and shrubs, or a container in a shaded courtyard. Deer and rabbits leave it alone. Keep it out of exposed, windy sites and out of long spells of direct sun, and remove old fronds in early spring.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Braun's holly fern, Braun's shield fern
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 40cm to 60cm tall by 40cm to 60cm wide
• Growth Habit: Clump forming, with gracefully arching fronds
• Perfect For: Woodland gardens, shady borders, north facing walls, containers and underplanting
• Foliage: Glossy dark green bipinnate fronds with silvery scales on young growth, 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