Polystichum setiferum

Description

Polystichum setiferum – soft shield fern

Botanical name: Polystichum setiferum
Common names: Soft shield fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Plant type: Evergreen fern
Habit: Clump-forming, arching shuttlecock
Pot size: 9cm pot
Eventual size: Approx. 60–90cm tall × 90cm spread
Foliage: Soft, finely divided, lacy mid-green fronds in a spreading, arching rosette; evergreen
Flowers: None — ferns reproduce by spores, not flowers
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Partial to full shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; tolerates lime and drier shade; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 5–8
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Native to Europe including the UK
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Polystichum setiferum, the soft shield fern, is a graceful native evergreen with soft, finely divided, lacy mid-green fronds forming spreading arching rosettes. One of the best and most tolerant ferns for shade.

GardenAdvice notes

One of the loveliest and most useful of our native ferns, the soft shield fern forms handsome, spreading rosettes of soft-textured, finely divided, lacy fronds. Evergreen and remarkably tolerant of drier shade and lime, it is easy, elegant and long-lived, and is the parent of many beautiful garden forms.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds. It tolerates drier shade and lime better than many ferns. Work in leaf mould, and space about 60cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Keep the soil from drying out while establishing, and mulch with leaf mould in autumn. Remove old, tatty or frost-burnt fronds in early spring before the new growth unfurls. No feeding is usually needed beyond an annual mulch.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide congested clumps in spring.
• Spores: Can be raised from spores sown on moist, sterile compost, though this is slow and specialised.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free and robust. Slugs and snails may graze the soft young fronds as they unfurl, and fronds can scorch in dry or exposed positions. Moist soil and shelter keep it looking its best.

Uses in the garden

Superb for shady and woodland borders, north-facing beds, shaded banks and among hostas and other shade plants, giving soft, elegant evergreen structure all year.

Wildlife value

The fronds and crown provide cover and shelter for small invertebrates through the year.

Toxicity & safety

Ferns are generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets, though as with all ornamental plants they are not intended for eating.

GardenAdvice tip

The soft shield fern is one of the most forgiving and elegant ferns you can grow — it tolerates drier shade and limy soil that fussier ferns hate, and its soft, lacy evergreen fronds look good all year. Give it a moist, shaded spot for the lushest growth, and simply comb out the old fronds each spring.

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