Japanese Tassel Fern

A wonderful fern for year-round interest in shady, well-drained borders, Polystichum polyblepharum is a clump-forming, evergreen, perennial fern with an upright but wide, ‘shuttle-cock’ habit. The stiff, upright, lance-shaped, finely divided fronds unfurl covered in thick, light-catching, golden hairs, then turn green, and are particularly beautiful when covered in frost in winter. Lovely underplanted with early spring bulbs or low ground-covering shade-loving plants like brunnera. Cut away damaged fronds to allow the new growth to shine. Japanese tassel fern tolerates dry, sandy soils, and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
Position: Full shade, partial shade
Season of interest: All year, spring in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 32” (80cm) Spread: 3’ (90cm)