Polystichum aculeatum

Polystichum aculeatum

Why Buy Me?

• Woodland themed garden
• Easy to grow
• Likes shade

Growing Conditions

Light:
Prefers partial to full shade. Will tolerate deep shade, making it well-suited for woodland and shaded border planting.

Soil:
Thrives in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions. Tolerates chalky soils if moisture is consistent.

Exposure:
Grows well in sheltered to moderately exposed sites. Hardy across the UK, capable of withstanding cold winters.

Drought Tolerance:
Fairly drought-tolerant once established in shaded settings. Performs best with regular moisture, especially during hot or dry periods.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Best planted in spring or autumn when 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) tall with a similar spread.

Watering & Fertilisation:
Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots. Once established, it needs minimal watering unless in dry or exposed conditions. Feeding is rarely necessary; a mulch of organic matter in spring is usually sufficient.

Mulching & Pruning:
Apply a mulch of composted leaf mould or bark in spring to conserve moisture and enrich the soil. Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to allow fresh growth to emerge cleanly.

Propagation:
Propagate by division of established clumps in spring. Can also be propagated from spores, though this is more challenging and time-consuming.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New fronds (crosiers) emerge tightly coiled and gradually unfurl with a lush, dark green appearance.

Summer:
Maintains a strong evergreen presence with arching, leathery fronds that add texture to shaded borders.

Autumn:
Fronds remain attractive and structural. Minimal seasonal colour change.

Winter:
Evergreen; fronds persist and provide winter interest and structure in the garden.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Provides habitat and shelter for invertebrates and small garden fauna. Contributes to the biodiversity of woodland and shade gardens.

Garden Use:
Ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, underplanting trees or shrubs, or naturalistic plantings. Its stiff, architectural fronds make it a reliable evergreen feature year-round.

Companion Plants:
Pairs well with:

• Helleborus

• Brunnera

• Anemone nemorosa

• Dryopteris filix-mas

Works beautifully with plants that offer seasonal flowers or contrasting foliage textures in shady conditions.

Transform your home and garden with the Polystichum aculeatum, 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.