Alphabetical Plant Listing

Polystichum setiferum (Soft Field Fern)

Soft Field Fern, Polystichum setiferum angulare, Polystichum setiferum bulbosum


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 beautiful 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 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, 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

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Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 8
Heat Zones 5 – 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Polystichum - Ferns
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 8
Heat Zones 5 – 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Polystichum - Ferns
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden

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