Polystichum setiferum (Soft Field Fern)

Particularly attractive and architecturally interesting, Polystichum setiferum (Soft Field Fern) is a tufted evergreen fern forming a pretty rosette of soft, lance-shaped, willowy, mid-green fronds. Arching gracefully, the finely dissected fronds swirl around the center of the plant, creating a beautifully mounded plant. They remain lush and fresh-looking throughout the season. The stalks and most midribs are coated with attractive cinnamon-brown scales. Bringing attention to its unusual soft green foliage, Soft Field Fern almost asks to be touched!

Low maintenance, pest and disease-free, Soft Field Fern enjoys a long season of interest – including winter when it adds a sparkle to the dullest of winter gardens.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
• Clump-forming, it easily grows up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide (60-90 cm).
• A light to full shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils. Excellent drainage is required. Too much sun will cause the fronds to turn yellow. Once established, it will tolerate occasional watering during dry weather, but regular watering may be necessary if planted in sandy soils.
• This plant is a great choice for shady beds, borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage gardens, rock gardens, and woodlands. Combines well with hellebores, hostas, wild ginger (Asarum), bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla), and epimediums.
• Rabbit and deer resistant.
• Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
• Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe, division of rhizomes in spring, or by bulbils in fall
• Native to Europe