Polystichum

( pol - IS - tick - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of ferns, commonly known as Shield Ferns or Holly Ferns, includes species that need partial to full shade and regular waterings to perform well in the garden. Species are native to North America, and are among the most useful and widely planted ornamental ferns. They reach up to 1 to 5 feet tall and 1 to 6 feet wide when mature, and form clumps over time. combine well with other plants in mixed beds and containers. They are wonderful in shaded beds, woodland gardens, and along house walls. They can also be used as no-traffic groundcover or for erosion control on sloped areas of the garden.

polypodium Species and Varietals

Polystichum is a genus in the plant family Dropteridaceae, and includes around 500 distinct species. Plants in this genus are closely related to those in Cyrtomium (Holly Ferns) and Dryopteris (Wood Ferns). The best growing zones for Polystichum ferns is generally USDA zones 3-9, though this can vary depending on the species cultivated. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern, Christmas Dagger Fern)
Best in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-9 and 14-24, this fern is native to eastern North America. It reaches 1.5 feet tall and 3 feet wide and produces upright fronds that curl outwards at their tips. Great for shaded areas and cool climates. Foliage is dark green and remains so through the winter, hence the fern's common name.

Polystichum braunii (Braun's Holly Fern, Prickly Shield Fern)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing 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 at maturity. New growth is silver-green and matures to deep green. These ferns are deciduous in cooler weather areas, and will regrow foliage when temperatures warm in springtime.

Polystichum makinoi (Makino's Holly Fern, Makinoi's Shield Fern, Black-Scaled Ear Fern, 黑鳞耳蕨)
Native to China and Japan, this species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 3-9, 14-17, and 21-24. It reaches 2 feet tall and wide at maturity, with olive-green glossy fronds. A formal looking choice for woodland gardens, this species prefers deep shade to partial shade.

Polystichum munitum (Western Sword Fern, Sword Fern, Pacific Sword Fern)
Native to California and Alaska, and over to Montana, Idaho, and South Dakota, these ferns do well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones A3, 2-9 and 14-24. They are very common ferns found in Western forested areas, with leathery dark green fronds that are beautiful in cut flower arrangements.

Polystichum neolobatum (Long-Eared Holly Fern, Asian Saber Fern)
Best in USDA hardiness zones 5-8 or Sunset growing 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, Japanese Lace Fern, Korean Tasselfern, Inodeshida, イノデシダ, Inode, イノデ, Nadohichomi, 나도히초미)
Native to Japan, South Korea, and China (best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing 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, Hedge Fern)
Native to southern Europe, this fern grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing 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 is compact and reaches 6-12 inches tall when mature. Plantlets form on midribs of older plants and can be detached and replanted.

Polystichum tsus-simense (Korean Rock Fern, Tsushima Holly Fern, 对马耳蕨, Tsushimashida, ツシマシダ, 対馬シダ)
This species grows well in UDSA hardiness zones 6-9 or Sunset growing zones 4-7 and 14-17. It is native to China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. 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

Polystichum, or Shield Ferns, are considered easy to care for and low-maintenance as long as their growing conditions are met. Plant in an area that is in full to partial shade, ensuring that during the warmest hours of the day (typically between 2 and 3 PM) that they are not in direct sunlight. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 4.0 and 6.8 (acidic to neutral). Their ideal substrate is one that is loamy and sandy with plenty of humus. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention.

Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, consistent waterings are key to prevent them from drying out, which will cause them to become brown and wilted. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning can be done after new growth has appeared; dead and dying areas should be left on the plant until spring because they actually mulch and protect the emerging growth. If these ferns are grown in a cramped space like a narrow border or container, they will need to be divided every few years for best results. For instructions on how to successfully divide your fern, see the propagation section below. Grow in soil that is rich soil amended with plenty of organic material. They can tolerate dry conditions as long as they're in the shade. These ferns are great choices for beginner fern gardeners. Polystichum ferns are long-lived, hardy perennials that typically last for several decades in the landscape before needing to be replaced if cared for properly. Individual fronds can live for 1.5 to 2.5 years.

Propagation

Polystichum ferns are best propagated via division. This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost, and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall (after the plant has entered dormancy but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate Polystichum by division, follow these steps:

Gather your materials. Using a shovel, dig up your existing fern. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your fern into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided ferns in soil at the same height as they were previously, and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch around the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it grow.