Transform shady corners of your garden with this collection of six Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum) plants. Renowned for their graceful, finely divided fronds that arch elegantly from a central crown, these ferns bring lush, year-round greenery to areas where many other plants struggle. Each plant is supplied as a well-established 1 litre root-ball, ready to plant out and settle in quickly.

Polystichum setiferum is one of the most reliable and attractive native British ferns, widely celebrated for its soft-textured, shuttlecock-like habit. The mid-green fronds are beautifully detailed with delicate pinnae, creating a layered, feathery appearance that adds texture and depth to borders, woodland plantings and containers. As a fully hardy evergreen, it retains its foliage throughout winter, providing structure and interest even in the coldest months.

These ferns are exceptionally low-maintenance once established. They thrive in moist, humus-rich soil and are perfectly suited to shaded and partially shaded positions beneath trees, along north-facing walls or tucked into sheltered borders. They combine beautifully with hostas, heucheras, hellebores and other shade-loving perennials.

What's Included:

• 6 x Polystichum setiferum (Soft Shield Fern) plants


• Each supplied as an established 1 litre root-ball


• Growers mix of selected Polystichum setiferum varieties for a natural, varied display

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Polystichum setiferum


• Common Names: Soft Shield Fern, Hedge Fern


• Classification: Hardy Evergreen Perennial Fern


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 60–120 cm × 60–90 cm (variety dependent)


• Growth Habit: Clump-Forming with Graceful, Arching Fronds


• Perfect For: Shady Borders, Woodland Gardens, Underplanting, North-Facing Walls, Containers


• Planting Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade


• Soil: Moist but Well-Drained, Humus-Rich


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (RHS H5–H7)


• Foliage: Soft, Finely Divided, Mid-Green Evergreen Fronds


• RHS Award: Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM)


• Wildlife Value: Provides Shelter for Insects and Small Wildlife

Planting and Care Tips:

• Plant in a sheltered, shaded or partially shaded position


• Prepare the planting area with plenty of organic matter such as leaf mould or garden compost


• Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system


• Apply a mulch around the base in spring to help retain moisture and suppress weeds


• Remove any old or damaged fronds in late spring as new growth emerges from the crown


• No regular feeding is required, though a light application of general-purpose fertiliser in spring can be beneficial

Notes: This collection is supplied as a growers mix of selected Polystichum setiferum varieties, offering a natural variation in frond form and texture for a more interesting and authentic woodland planting scheme.