Bring lush, year-round greenery to the shadier corners of your garden with this set of three Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum) plants. Renowned for its graceful, arching fronds and soft, finely divided foliage, this elegant fern is a stalwart of woodland planting schemes and shaded borders. Each plant is supplied in a 1 litre pot, well-established and ready to plant out.

Why Choose Soft Shield Fern?

• A truly reliable evergreen fern that retains its attractive foliage throughout the year, providing structure and interest even in the depths of winter.


• Produces elegant, shuttlecock-shaped rosettes of soft, mid-green fronds that bring a natural, woodland feel to any planting scheme.


• Exceptionally hardy and low-maintenance once established, tolerating a wide range of conditions including dry shade.


• An RHS Award of Garden Merit holder, recognised for its outstanding garden performance.


• This set of three plants is ideal for creating an immediate, impactful display or for use as ground cover beneath trees and shrubs.

Planting and Care

Plant in a sheltered or semi-sheltered spot in partial to full shade. Soft Shield Fern thrives in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil but is remarkably adaptable and will tolerate drier conditions once established. Incorporate plenty of organic matter such as leaf mould or compost at planting time. Water regularly during the first growing season to help the roots establish. In late winter or early spring, trim away any old or damaged fronds to make way for fresh new growth.

Cultural Information

• Botanical Name: Polystichum setiferum


• Common Names: Soft Shield Fern


• Classification: Evergreen Perennial Fern


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 60–120 cm × 60–120 cm


• Growth Habit: Arching, Shuttlecock-Forming Rosette


• Perfect For: Shaded Borders, Woodland Gardens, Ground Cover, Containers


• Planting Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade


• Soil: Moist, Well-Drained, Humus-Rich (tolerates drier conditions once established)


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (down to –20°C)


• Type: Hardy Evergreen Perennial Fern


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


• RHS Award of Garden Merit: Yes

What You Will Receive

3 or 6 x Polystichum setiferum (Soft Shield Fern) plants, each supplied in a 1 litre pot. Plants are well-rooted and established, ready for planting out into their final position in the garden or into larger containers.