Polystichum setiferum

Polystichum setiferum

Why Buy Me?

• Woodland themed garden
• Easy to grow
• Likes shade

Growing Conditions

Light:
Prefers partial to full shade. Can tolerate some morning or dappled sunlight but thrives best in consistently shaded areas.

Soil:
Grows well in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils. Prefers neutral to slightly acidic pH. Avoid dry, compacted, or waterlogged soils.

Exposure:
Performs best in sheltered locations, protected from strong winds and harsh sun. Hardy across the UK, tolerating severe winters.

Drought Tolerance:
Low drought tolerance. Requires consistently moist conditions, particularly in dry or sunny spells. Mulching helps retain soil moisture.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Best planted in autumn or spring when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild.

Spacing:
Space plants approximately 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) apart. Mature height typically reaches 60–90 cm (24–36 inches) with a similar spread.

Watering & Fertilisation:
Water regularly, especially during prolonged dry periods. Fertilisation is generally unnecessary; an annual mulch with compost or leaf mould provides sufficient nutrients.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring with organic matter to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Prune back old or damaged fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Propagation:
Propagate by division in spring or autumn. Can also be grown from spores under controlled conditions, though this is more time-consuming.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New fronds unfurl in soft, curled fiddleheads, often covered in fine hairs and soft to the touch.

Summer:
Develops a full crown of delicately cut, soft-textured green fronds. Remains attractive and lush throughout the season.

Autumn:
Foliage stays vibrant; minimal colour change. Continues to provide fine texture and coverage in shaded areas.

Winter:
Semi-evergreen to evergreen, depending on the severity of the winter. Fronds may become tattered but often persist for winter structure.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Offers cover and shelter for insects, amphibians, and small animals in woodland gardens. Increases structural diversity for wildlife.

Garden Use:
Ideal for woodland gardens, shady borders, or underplanting trees and shrubs. Its soft, finely cut fronds make it a graceful accent or groundcover in shade compositions.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with:

• Hosta

• Epimedium

• Tiarella

• Helleborus

• Pulmonaria

Complements shade-loving perennials with bold foliage or early-season flowers, creating a layered, naturalistic look.

Transform your home and garden with the Polystichum setiferum, a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendation.