Soft Shield Fern Herrenhausen

A beautiful cultivar of the native Irish fern, Polystichum setiferum (Divisilobum Group) Herrenhausen has more finely divided and spreading fronds, forming a pretty, lacy rosette, ideal at the front of a shady border or under trees; it’s also good on steep banks. It’s a clump-forming, semi-evergreen, perennial fern with a ‘shuttle-cock’ habit when young, gradually flattening out as the crown develops. The soft, lance-shaped, finely divided fronds are bright, golden-green, and persist almost until the new, crozier-like fronds unfurl in spring; cut away withered fronds to let the new growth show to full advantage. Lovely with early spring bulbs. Soft shield fern Herrenhausen takes its name from the German royal gardens where it was discovered.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
Position: Full shade, partial shade
Season of interest: All year
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 20” (50cm) Spread: 3’ (90cm)