Polystichum tsus-simense

Description

Polystichum tsus-simense – Korean rock fern

Botanical name: Polystichum tsus-simense
Common names: Korean rock fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Plant type: Evergreen fern
Habit: Compact, clump-forming
Pot size: 3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 30–40cm tall × 30cm spread
Foliage: Compact, finely divided, dark green triangular fronds with a contrasting dark central midrib; 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; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H4 (hardy, to about −10°C); USDA zones 6–9
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Species native to eastern Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Polystichum tsus-simense, the Korean rock fern, is a neat, compact evergreen with finely divided dark green triangular fronds and a contrasting dark midrib. Ideal for the front of shady borders, containers and even indoors.

GardenAdvice notes

A dainty, compact evergreen fern from eastern Asia, the Korean rock fern has finely divided, triangular dark green fronds set off by a distinctive dark central midrib. Its neat size and refined looks make it ideal for the front of a shady border, for shaded containers, and — being slightly tender — it is often grown as a houseplant or in a sheltered courtyard.

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 the front of shady borders, shaded containers and troughs, sheltered courtyards, and as a houseplant in a cool, bright, indirectly lit spot

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 Korean rock fern is a neat little evergreen, perfect for a shady pot, the front of a border or even a cool room indoors. It is a touch less hardy than most of our ferns, so in colder gardens give it a sheltered spot or grow it in a container you can move under cover — and, as ever, keep it out of drying winds and never let it dry out.

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