Polystichum setiferum 'Pulcherrimum Bevis'
Soft shield fern, Hedge fern, English hedge fern
Also known as Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosum Bevis', Polystichum setiferum 'Bevis'
- Height × spread
- 1.2m × 1.2m
- Position
- All conditions
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is an exceptionally handsome fern that makes a clump of feathery looking fronds, held on chestnut ribs. The mature fronds are dark green, long and symmetrically shaped. They taper to a long, slender tip point. The point, looks plaited, like the tail of a three-banded armadillo. The frond curves sinuously along its length. A well grown plant looks lustrous, lively, and full of charm and interest. It is a rare plant, worth seeking out provided you can give it fertile well drained soil in a shaded spot. The crown should be protected from too much moisture during winter, and the old fronds are best removed before the new ones unfurl in spring. This grows to 1.2m (4ft) high with an equivalent spread.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 1.2m
- Spread
- 1.2m
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Rock garden, Prairie garden, Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Poor soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry and shady soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Ground cover, Deer resistant
- Deer
- May be damaged by deer, especially when young
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during drought
In drought conditions where established plants in the ground have had no water for a month, do a deep watering. If drought continues repeat after a fortnight. Plants only need watering during spring to autumn growth. Check plants in pots more often.
Established plants have a good degree of drought tolerance. Water after a prolonged period of drought. Many drought tolerant plants can rapidly revive, even when much of the foliage has died. They will respond with new growth.
Spring - early · Planting
Prune to the ground
Cut foliage to the ground before new growth starts.
Where stems are grown for their ornamental value, old stems should be removed either before new growth starts in spring, or during winter when they begin to look ragged or untidy.
Winter
Winter · Planting
Apply a protective mulch
Protect with a mulch so that the plant does not become too wet in winter.
A mulch is a covering that can: protect the soil surface from rain, heat and cold; deter weeds; provide nutrients. Organic indicates that material has vegetative origin e.g. manure, compost. Synthetics i.e. plastics, or stones are often called mulches.
Found in
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