Soft Shield Fern

Polystichum setiferum

Pronunciation: pol-LIST-ik-um say-TI-fe-rum
SKU #03649
5-9

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Outstanding foliage for shade, with feathery, dark green fronds that look tropical but are actually hardy! The perfect contrast to bold-leaved plants. Naturalizes well in cool woodland settings, adapting well to dry shade conditions when established. Semi-evergreen.
LIGHT: Full shade
WATER: Keep soil moist, but not soggy.
SIZE: Moderate growing; reaches 2 to 3 ft. tall, spreading wider.

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This Plant's Growing Zones: 5-9

USDA Cold Hardiness Zone Map

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Bloom TimePrized for foliage.
Deciduous/EvergreenSemi-Evergreen
Special FeaturesEasy Care, Improved Pest and Disease Resistance, Non-toxic to Cats and Dogs
Problems/SolutionsDeer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Dry Shade
Growth RateModerate
Growth HabitUpright
Landscape UseBorder, Ground Cover
Design IdeasThis is an excellent hardy Fern that takes colder climates by dying back with frost. Plant under trees, in dark corners and shaded alcoves. Also works well in light-challenged atriums and courtyards. As a North American native, it's the perfect easy Fern for woodland and wild gardens.
Foliage ColorGreen
Companion PlantsSolomon's Seal (Polygonatum); Columbine (Aquilegia); Hosta (Hosta); Lungwort (Pulmonaria); Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
Care InstructionsEasily grown in fertile, humusy, well-drained soils. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish root system. Once established, prefers evenly moist but not soggy soils; tolerates drier conditions. Feed regularly during growing season. Cut back old, faded fronds when new growth begins to emerge in spring.
Details
Bloom TimePrized for foliage.
Deciduous/EvergreenSemi-Evergreen
Special FeaturesEasy Care, Improved Pest and Disease Resistance, Non-toxic to Cats and Dogs
Problems/SolutionsDeer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Dry Shade
Growth RateModerate
Growth HabitUpright
Style
Landscape UseBorder, Ground Cover
Design IdeasThis is an excellent hardy Fern that takes colder climates by dying back with frost. Plant under trees, in dark corners and shaded alcoves. Also works well in light-challenged atriums and courtyards. As a North American native, it's the perfect easy Fern for woodland and wild gardens.
Foliage ColorGreen
Companion PlantsSolomon's Seal (Polygonatum); Columbine (Aquilegia); Hosta (Hosta); Lungwort (Pulmonaria); Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
Care
Care InstructionsEasily grown in fertile, humusy, well-drained soils. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish root system. Once established, prefers evenly moist but not soggy soils; tolerates drier conditions. Feed regularly during growing season. Cut back old, faded fronds when new growth begins to emerge in spring.

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About Us

We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly

100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr.
in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.

We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.