Polystichum setiferum

Hedge Fern, Soft Shield Fern
Polystichum setiferum
Type: Fern
Exposure: Shade to Partial Shade
Water: Regular

This,  like all my fern posts, is for Jill.  Because Jill hates ferns.

The Soft Shield Fern is a lacier-looking relative of the more common sword fern, and is a natural for woodland gardens. It grows to form a slightly unruly-looking mound of fresh green fronds 2-4ft (60-120cm) tall and wide, depending on variety; a dwarf variety is also available. In the bottom photo, it is paired quite effectively with the contrasting color and texture of Epimedium grandiflorum (Bishop’s Hat). But more on that later (stay tuned…). Here in USDA zone 8, it is evergreen, but it may be semi-evergreen in colder regions. It works well as a specimen or massed in groups.

Cheers,

John