Soft Shield Fern

A hardy native Irish fern, Polystichum setiferum is a clump-forming, semi-evergreen, perennial fern with a spreading, rosette-like habit, ideal for growing under trees or in a shady, well-drained border. The elegant, soft, lance-shaped, finely divided fronds are mid-green, and persist almost until the new, crozier-like fronds unfurl in spring; cut away withered fronds to let the new growth shine through. Lovely with early spring bulbs. Soft shield fern holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Cool, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, including limy soils
Position: Full shade, partial shade
Season of interest: Almost all year
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 3’ (90cm) Spread: 3’ (90cm)