Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum)
Fully Hardy
This large, evergreen fern is a native of Britain, with soft, dark green fronds hat emerge upright before unfurling and falling softly open. Try it among other foliage plants at the front of a shady, well-drained, border or beneath deciduous trees. Either cut back the old foliage in early January to allow space for spring bulbs, or leave them in place until April when the new fronds appear.
Plant purchased from B&Q, Carlisle.
Sow indoors
Sow outdoors
Plant out
Flowers
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
120cm (47″)
90cm (35″)
Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole. Remove dead foliage in spring.
Planted this under the holly tree. I’ve been looking for a more forest / bracken style fern but bought this in the end. I’ve been condsidering doing a bit of guerilla gardening and getting one from the wild, but will persevere with this one for now. It seems to be doing ok.