Polystichum aculeatum
hard shield fern
Delivery options
- Standard £5.95
- Position: full or partial shade
- Soil: fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Hardiness: fully hardy
The long and lustrous fronds of this evergreen native fern form a distinctive shuttlecock shape, which is ideal for adding year-round structural interest to shady borders or woodland settings. Polystichum aculeatum is also invaluable for underplanting deciduous trees (where little else will grow), and it looks great when teamed with larger leaved hostas, foxgloves or brunneras. - Garden care: When planting, incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole. In spring, before the new growth emerges, cut back dead, damaged or tatty-looking fronds to their base.