- Botanical name: Polystichum setiferum
- Common name: Soft shield fern
- Family: Dryopteridaceae
- Plant Type: Perennial, Deciduous
- Key features:
- Dramatic foliage
Polystichum setiferum is a large, British native evergreen fern, bearing soft, dark green fronds that emerge upright before unfurling and falling open. It works well among other shade-loving plants such as Solomon’s seal and hostas, and it contrasts well with glossy, hardy ferns such as Asplenium scolopendrium.
Grow Polystichum setiferum in moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Cut plants back in winter to create space for spring bulbs, or leave in place until April when new fronds appear.
How to grow Polystichum setiferum
-
Plant size
1.2m height
100cm spread
-
Aspect
North facing, east facing
-
Position in border
Front, middle
- Sun exposure: Full sun, dappled shade, partial shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy / clay / heavy / moist / chalky / alkaline / acidic
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Divide |
J
Do not Divide in January |
F
Do not Divide in February |
M
Do Divide in March |
A
Do Divide in April |
M
Do Divide in May |
J
Do not Divide in June |
J
Do not Divide in July |
A
Do not Divide in August |
S
Do Divide in September |
O
Do Divide in October |
N
Do Divide in November |
D
Do not Divide in December |
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
J
Do Prune in January |
F
Do not Prune in February |
M
Do not Prune in March |
A
Do not Prune in April |
M
Do not Prune in May |
J
Do not Prune in June |
J
Do not Prune in July |
A
Do not Prune in August |
S
Do not Prune in September |
O
Do not Prune in October |
N
Do not Prune in November |
D
Do Prune in December |
Polystichum setiferum and wildlife
Polystichum setiferum has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Polystichum setiferum poisonous?
Polystichum setiferum has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
Plants that go well with Polystichum setiferum
