Soft Shield Fern Plumoso-densum

Also known as Polystichum setiferum Plumosomultilobum Group, Polystichum setiferum Plumodensum differs from the species in having richly overlapping fronds with overlapping ‘leaflets’, giving a densely feathery (hence the name) appearance. It is a small to medium-sized, semi-evergreen, clump-forming fern, with a spreading ‘shuttlecock’ habit and delicate, multi-faceted look, more suited to a border than to a semi-wild woodland planting. Protect the crowns from winter wet and cut back tatty foliage in spring to show off the new growth. A very beautiful fern, soft shield fern Plumoso-densum holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soils: any humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil
Position: Partial shade, deep shade
Season of interest: spring, summer, autumn
Hardiness: Hardy
Height to 15” (40cm) Spread to 12” (30cm)