Polystichum
Holly fern
- Height × spread
- 0.4m – 1.2m × 0.4m – 1.2m
- Position
- All conditions
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A wide range of ferns that have great ornamental value, and which generally retain their foliage throughout the year. They are mostly hardy, but a few forms are too tender to over winter out of doors in the UK. The fronds cover a good range of shapes from long slender forms, such as Polystichum lonchitis, to the shiny spring foliage of Polystichum polyblepharum. The best known form for garden cultivation is Polystichum setiferum and its huge range of forms, including those with congested fronds, lacy fronds, and fronds with crested ends. Some forms are small, such as Polystichum tsus-simense, around 30cm in height. Polystichum munitum, generally around 1.2 metres high, can be as tall as 1.6 metres under optimum conditions. These are generally easy plants for the garden, mostly enjoying shade, some moisture and preferring acidic or neutral soil.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome, Fan
- Height
- 0.4m – 1.2m
- Spread
- 0.4m – 1.2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Shady court, 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, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil, Dry and shady soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Deer resistant
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
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.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.
Found in
More Polystichum
Polystichum braunii
Braun's hollyfern, Shield fern, Tassel fern
Polystichum tsussimense
Tsus-shima holly fern, Korean rock fern, Dwarf holly fern
Polystichum acrostichoides
Christmas fern, Canker brake, Dagger fern
Polystichum aculeatum
Hard shield fern, Hedge fern, Prickly shield fern
Polystichum makinoi
Makino's holly fern
Polystichum munitum
Sword fern, Western holly fern
Polystichum polyblepharum
Japanese tassel fern, Tassel fern, Bristle fern, Fern of eyelashes
Polystichum setiferum
Soft shield fern, Hedge fern, English hedge fern