Polystichum

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At-A-Glance Information

This genus of ferns needs partial to full shade and regular waterings to perform well. These are among the most useful and widely planted ferns, and combine well with other plants in mixed beds and containers. They are wonderful in shaded beds, woodland gardens, and along house walls.

polypodium Species and Varietals

The best growing zones for Polystichum vary depending on the species. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern)
Best in zones 1-9 and 14-24, this fern is native to eastern North America. It reaches 1.5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Great for shaded areas and cool climates. Foliage is dark green.

Polystichum braunii (Braun's Holly Fern)
This species grows well in zones 3-6 and 14-17 and is native to northern America and Asia. It reaches between 1 and 3 feet tall and spreads just as wide. New growth is silvery-green and matures to dark green. Deciduous in cooler weather areas.

Polystichum makinoi (Makino's Holly Fern)
Native to China and Japan, this species grows well in zones 3-9, 14-17, and 21-24. It reaches 2 feet tall and wide, with olive-green, glossy fronds. A formal looking choice for woodland gardens.

Polystichum munitum (Western Sword Fern)
Native to California and Alaska, and over to Montana, Idaho, and South Dakota, these ferns do well in zones A3, 2-9 and 14-24. They are very common ferns found in Western forested areas, with leathery dark green fronds. Great for cut arrangements.

Polystichum neolobatum (Long-Eared Holly Fern)
Best in zones 5-7 and 14-17. These ferns have an upright habit with arching dark green fronds that are pale green underneath. They are native to Asia, and reach 2 feet tall and a little bit wider.

Polystichum polyblepharum (Japanese Tassel Fern)
Native to Asia (best in zones 4-9 and 14-24), this fern has a handsome, lacy look to it and reaches 2-3 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Fronds are glossy and dark green, and new, unfurling fronds are golden.

Polystichum setiferum (Soft-Shield Fern)
Native to southern Europe, this fern grows well in zones 4-9 and 14-24. It has a soft, lacy look to it. A choice variety with grey-green foliage is 'Congestum Cristatum', which reaches 6-12 inches tall. Plantlets form on midribs of older plants and can be detached and replanted.

Polystichum tsus-simense (Korean Rock Fern)
This species grows well in zones 4-7 and 14-17. It is native to Asia and forms a neat clump 12-15 inches tall and wide. Dark green fronds. Use at the front of shaded borders or among rocks.

Caring for Polystichum

Some cultivars of Polystichum setiferum will make miniature replicas on the fronds of plants, called bulbils, that can be rooted easily in the right conditions.