Soft shield fern Polystichum setiferum 5-10 pot P9

Size: Potmaat leidend

5-10cm

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Pot 9x9 cm (P9)

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Polystichum setiferum Can be planted now
Careful and fast delivery throughout the United Kingdom

Benefits according to our specialist

Plantable year-round
Low maintenance
Decorative foliage

Plant features
Description
Planting and care
Packaging and shipping

Genus
Polystichum (view all varieties)

Root type
Pot

Pot size
9x9 cm (P9)

Possibilities
Border, Group planting, Underplanting, Solitary

Soil type
Humus-rich soil

Positioning
Semi-shade, Shade

Winter hardiness
-23,3°C / -20,6°C, USDA zone 6a

Fruit-bearing plants
No

Water needs
Average water

Number of plants per m²
6

Evergreen plants
No

Leaf colour
Green

Fragrant plants
No

Growth habit
Upright to bushy growth habit

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
5-10

Mature height (cm)
80

Art. no.
1000963

Description

Polystichum setiferum | Soft shield fern

Embrace the understated elegance of soft shield fern, also known as English hedge fern, a splendid addition to any garden seeking a touch of greenery throughout the year. Polystichum setiferum thrives in the dappled shade, its lush fronds creating a serene backdrop in garden borders or when used for group planting.

Native to a wide range of locales from Europe to Asia and Africa, this fern is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of its genus. Its preference for humus-rich soils and partially shaded environments makes it a versatile choice for gardeners looking to enhance their landscape with a plant of enduring beauty.

Key Features

The Polystichum setiferum boasts a variety of attributes that make it a prized plant for any horticultural enthusiast:

Celebrated for its lush, evergreen foliage, the soft shield fern maintains its vibrant green coloration across all seasons.
With an upright to bushy growth habit, this fern can reach an ultimate height of 80 centimeters, making it a notable presence in any garden space.
The Polystichum is not fruit-bearing, allowing its verdant fronds to take center stage without the distraction of flowers or fruits.
As an evergreen species, it provides year-round interest, with its fronds remaining fresh and green even when other plants have succumbed to winter's touch.
Although not drought-resistant, it requires only an average amount of water to thrive, making it a relatively low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
Ideal for adding texture and depth to shaded areas, it performs exceptionally well when used as a sub-planting beneath taller species.

Tips

To ensure the health and longevity of your Polystichum setiferum, consider the following cultivation tips:

Propagation through division not only rejuvenates the plant but also increases your collection. This should be conducted during the milder temperatures of spring or autumn for optimal results.
Although the soft shield fern is not particular about its soil, providing a humus-rich foundation will encourage lush, healthy growth.
Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, as the fern does not tolerate drought well.
Place your fern in a location that offers partial to full shade to mimic its natural habitat and promote its best growth.
While Polystichum setiferum requires little maintenance, removing dead or damaged fronds will keep the plant looking its best and prevent any potential issues.

Ideal placement of a Polystichum setiferum

Polystichum setiferum thrives in the dappled light of partial shade to the deeper calm of full shade, mimicking its natural woodland habitat. It prefers a cool, sheltered location where the delicate fronds are protected from harsh sun and drying winds. This species is best suited to humus-rich soil, ensuring a fertile and moisture-retentive environment for the plant's roots. Although the fern is not drought-tolerant, it does not require excessive watering, making it important to strike a balance with average water needs to maintain its lush, green foliage throughout the seasons.

How do I plant a Polystichum setiferum?

For optimal growth, Polystichum setiferum should be planted in humus-rich soil that retains moisture but allows excess water to drain away. This fern thrives in locations with partial shade to full shade, making it an excellent choice for understory plantings and shaded borders. When planting, ensure the root ball of the pot-grown fern is level with the soil surface. Water the plant thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots and maintain consistent moisture until the fern is well-established. It is evergreen, so it will provide year-round greenery in the garden.

Pruning a Polystichum setiferum

Polystichum setiferum thrives with minimal maintenance and rarely requires pruning. To maintain its tidy appearance, simply remove any dead or damaged fronds at the base in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This gentle upkeep will encourage healthy, robust fronds to unfurl, ensuring the fern remains an attractive feature in shaded garden spots year-round. Always use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts, minimizing stress to the plant and promoting its natural upright to bushy growth habit.

Watering a Polystichum setiferum

The Polystichum setiferum thrives with consistent moisture and should be watered regularly to maintain its lush greenery, particularly in periods of dry weather. Since it prefers humus-rich soil, which retains water well, ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged. The plant's average water needs can be met with a deep watering once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil conditions. During the hotter months, monitor the soil moisture closely and water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist, but not saturated.

Fertilising a Polystichum setiferum

For optimal growth and health, Polystichum setiferum benefits from regular fertilization. Fertilize this species in early spring to support vigorous foliage development. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreen plants is ideal, as it provides a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season. Apply according to the package instructions, ensuring even distribution around the base of the plant to encourage an upright and bushy growth habit.

It is crucial that the soil remains humus-rich, thus complementing the feeding with a top dressing of well-rotted compost or leaf mold can be beneficial. This practice not only enriches the soil but also maintains the necessary soil structure and moisture levels for the plant's average water needs. Fertilization should be light to prevent excessive growth, which can compromise the plant's natural hardiness.

The characteristics of a Polystichum setiferum

An often overlooked characteristic of Polystichum setiferum is its ability to thrive in shaded areas where other plants may struggle. This species can provide a lush, evergreen presence in parts of the garden that receive limited sunlight. Its tolerance for lower light conditions makes it an excellent choice for adding texture and depth beneath tree canopies or in north-facing garden spots. The elegant, feathery fronds create a soft, inviting ambiance, enhancing the serene beauty of any shaded retreat.

Separating/dividing a Polystichum setiferum

To ensure the continued health and vigor of Polystichum setiferum, division is recommended. The process involves gently removing the fern from the ground, taking care to preserve the root structure. Once uprooted, the plant should be carefully divided into smaller sections, each containing a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be replanted separately, providing them with ample space to flourish. The optimal time for this practice is during the milder temperatures of spring or autumn, which allows the divisions to establish themselves under ideal growing conditions.

What will be the height of Polystichum setiferum?

Polystichum setiferum typically grows to a height between 1 and 1.5 meters when fully mature.

What will be the width of Polystichum setiferum?

Polystichum setiferum can achieve a final spread ranging from 50 centimeters to 1 meter, depending on the growing conditions.

Which soil type is most suitable for the Polystichum setiferum?

Polystichum setiferum thrives best in soil that is rich in humus. This type of soil provides the necessary nutrients and moisture retention for the optimal growth of the plant.

What is the ideal positioning for the Polystichum setiferum?

The ideal location for Polystichum setiferum is a place with partial shade or shade. This plant thrives best in an environment where direct sunlight is limited, such as under the canopy of larger plants or trees, or in shadier areas of the garden.

Is the Polystichum setiferum hardy?

Yes, Polystichum setiferum is considered winter hardy, able to tolerate temperatures ranging from -23.3°C to -20.1°C. This places it within the USDA hardiness zone 6a. As a result, Polystichum setiferum is well-equipped to survive the winter season in regions within this hardiness zone.

Is the Polystichum setiferum evergreen?

Polystichum setiferum is not an evergreen plant. It follows a deciduous pattern, shedding its leaves in the fall and regrowing them in the following spring.

What is the growth strength of the Polystichum setiferum?

Polystichum setiferum achieves its full height over a period of 5 to 10 years. This indicates that it is a species with a moderate growth rate, gradually reaching its mature size within a reasonable timeframe.

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