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Key characteristics

Family: Dryopteridaceae
Height: 24 to 36 inches
Width: 24 to 36 inches
Flower color: Non-flowering
Foliage color: Soft-textured, glossy dark green, evergreen
Bloom time: Non-flowering
Light: Part shade to full shade
Water: Average
Maintenance: Low; remove old fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges
Growing zone: USDA zones 6 to 8
Wildlife: Deer-resistant; provides cover for small wildlife

Perennials

Polystichum setiferum

Soft Shield Fern

Polystichum setiferum is an elegant evergreen fern valued for its finely textured, feathery fronds. The arching, lance-shaped fronds are light green when young, maturing to a deeper green, and are soft to the touch. Although ferns do not flower, this species offers year-round interest with its lush foliage and layered appearance.

Native to Europe, particularly the shaded woodlands and damp environments of the British Isles, Polystichum setiferum is well-suited to temperate climates.

Light

Part shade to full shade

Water

Average

Bloom time

Non-flowering

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Heucheras · Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff · Foamflowers · Epimediums · Hostas

Design tip

Foliage and form do most of the work here, so lean on texture and repetition rather than one flowering moment. Cooler light suits it, so tuck it on the north side of a shrub or wall where the soil stays even.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)