Polystichum polyblepharum
Garden Plant Information

Polystichum setiferum

 

Polystichum polyblepharum frond

 

Name

 Polystichum polyblepharum (also called Japanese shield fern)

Genus  

Polystichum

Species

polyblepharum

Cultivar/variety

 

General description

Attractive evergreen fern with glossy shuttlecock fronds and beautiful, hairy crosiers in spring. Suitable for shaded gardens, the glossy leaves provide a touch of brightness to what can a fairly subdued area. It looks especially good in dappled shade.

Season of interest

All year round.

Key horticultural features

  1. Habit - shuttlecock shaped, firm, arching. H: up to 70cm S: up to 80cm.

  2. Stem and leaf - glossy, dark green, finely divided, bipinnate, leaf with coppery hairs (also called scales) along the stem. Young fronds are pale yellow, darkening as they mature. The leaves feel unusually stiff for a fern.

Cultural details

Aspect

Shade to semi-shade.

Soil

Leafy, humus-rich, well-drained. Does well in soil that stays evenly moist.

Hardiness

Hardy

Maintenance

Protect from excess winter wetness, but avoid dry soil in summer. Remove older or broken fronds before new growth gets going in spring so that they have light and air and the crosiers can be admired.

Propagation

By division of the rhizome in spring.