Polystichum setiferum 'PLUMOSUM'

Soft shield fern, aka bristle fern, is our European fern species and comes from the south and west of the continent. It loves the humidity of the British Isles and the mild winters of southwestern Europe. In Mediterranean Europe (from France to Turkey) it seeks higher elevations where it is not bothered by the drying hot sun and where there is enough moisture in the soil. When you look at the botanical species, its appearance exactly fulfils our expectations of a typical European fern – erect, symmetrical, deep green fronds. Under ideal conditions it spreads by rhizomes forming thick colonies.

Plumosum is a lush, fine-textured, and dense, bi-pinnate soft shield fern variety. It produces 30-50 cm long fronds composed of small, delicately incised, bright green, slightly overlapping leaves which are composed along short stalks and those are arranged along strong stems (= bipinnate). The plants are dense and despite their fluffy look they are quite sturdy. The fronds are mostly laid almost horizontally, only a few of the newest in the middle of the clump are upright. Use it in a dark corner which will be lit up by its soft green colour, or to soften any sharp edges.

Soft shield fern requires partial shade or shade and fertile, preferably acidic to neutral soil. It loves moisture but needs a good drainage so that it does not rot in winter. It responds well to fertilizing, and the more nutrients you provide, the lusher the foliage. Its leaves remain evergreen and handsome to about -15 °C, and only at lower temperatures do wither and the whole clump goes dormant. In spring remove all foliage and wait for emerging new leaves in mid spring. Hardy to about -27 °C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update: 23-04-2023