Polystichum seti’ Dahlem

Description

Polystichum setiferum ‘Dahlem’ – soft shield fern

Botanical name: Polystichum setiferum ‘Dahlem’
Common names: Soft shield fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Plant type: Evergreen fern
Habit: Clump-forming, upright shuttlecock
Pot size: 3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 60–75cm tall × 60cm spread
Foliage: Soft, finely divided, lacy dark green fronds held in a more upright, shuttlecock 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: Selected form; the species is native to Europe including the UK
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Polystichum setiferum ‘Dahlem’ is a soft shield fern with finely divided, lacy fronds held in a more upright shuttlecock. Elegant and evergreen, it is superb for shady and woodland borders.

GardenAdvice notes

A distinct form of the native soft shield fern, ‘Dahlem’ has the same beautifully soft, lacy, finely divided fronds as its relatives, but held in a more upright, shuttlecock-shaped rosette, giving it a slightly more formal, vertical presence. Evergreen and tolerant of drier shade and lime, it is elegant and dependable.

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. Work in leaf mould or compost to hold moisture, and space according to the ultimate size, generally about 45–60cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Keep the soil from drying out, especially 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 in spring, and fronds can scorch in dry or exposed positions. Moist soil and shelter keep it looking its best.

Uses in the garden

Ideal for shady and woodland borders, north-facing beds and among other shade plants, where its more upright, shuttlecock habit gives soft structure

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

‘Dahlem’ offers the lovely soft, lacy texture of the soft shield ferns but in a more upright, shuttlecock shape, so it’s a good choice where you want a little more height and formality in a shady border. It shares the group’s easy, tolerant nature, coping with drier shade and lime, and stays evergreen through winter.

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