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Polystichum setiferum (Soft shield fern)
2 hours care
per year
per year
1.5m
Max height
Max height
1m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Polystichum setiferum
Other names
Soft shield fern, Polystichum setiferum angulare , Polystichum setiferum bulbosum
Genus
Polystichum Polystichum
Species
P. setiferum - P. setiferum is a clump-forming, evergreen fern with rosettes of upright, lance-shaped, bipinnate, soft fronds, each divided into ovate, bristle-toothed, stalked pinnae. Pinnae have prominent, orange-brown scales (sori) beneath.
Polystichum setiferum is: Evergreen
Habit
Clump-forming, Spreading
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Insignificant or absent in All seasons
Foliage
Dark-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds.
Propagation methods
Division, Spores
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Where to grow
Polystichum setiferum (Soft shield fern) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Underplanting, Wildflower, Foliage only
Cultivation
Plant in a cool, moist, lightly shaded site. Tolerates full sun if given plenty of moisture. Protect from excessive winter wet. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Polystichum setiferum
Other names
Soft shield fern, Polystichum setiferum angulare , Polystichum setiferum bulbosum
Genus
Polystichum Polystichum
Species
P. setiferum - P. setiferum is a clump-forming, evergreen fern with rosettes of upright, lance-shaped, bipinnate, soft fronds, each divided into ovate, bristle-toothed, stalked pinnae. Pinnae have prominent, orange-brown scales (sori) beneath.
Native to
Southern Europe, Western Europe
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump-forming, Spreading
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Insignificant or absent in All seasons
Foliage
Dark-green in Summer
General care
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds.
Propagation methods
Division, Spores
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Polystichum setiferum (Soft shield fern) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Underplanting, Wildflower, Foliage only
Cultivation
Plant in a cool, moist, lightly shaded site. Tolerates full sun if given plenty of moisture. Protect from excessive winter wet. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Shade | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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DISCUSS THIS PLANT
This plant is featured at Chelsea Flower Show 2009
There are 4 active discussions about Polystichum setiferum (Soft shield fern)
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