Polystichum setiferum Densum - Soft Shield Fern

Polystichum setiferum Densum is a charming fern with stiff fronds, appreciated for its beautiful dense and crisped foliage resembling large feathers in a vibrant green colour, which are soft to the touch and pleasing to the eye. This lovely evergreen fern is fairly easy to grow in shady locations, in humus-rich and well-drained soil. Plant it in undergrowth or near a shaded water feature, where its mossy appearance will complement non-invasive bamboo, spring bulbs, or silver candles.

Polystichum setiferum, formerly known as Polystichum angulare, is a botanical species native to Great Britain and Western Europe, especially southern regions, as well as temperate Asia and North Africa. Its natural habitat consists of wooded areas and shaded ravines at low altitudes. It is a perennial plant of the Dryopteridaceae family, giving rise to more than 300 cultivars, more or less distinct, including the 'Densum' variety.

Polystichum setiferum Densum distinguishes itself from the type species by its slightly smaller size and denser, slightly frizzled foliage. This fern forms a well-formed, elegant, slightly flared, tall and wide clump of about 50 cm (20 in). The fronds have an expanded lamina in the centre, deeply divided into 30 to 40 pairs of pinnate segments, which are further divided into numerous dentate and undulate pinnules, covered with bristles. The petiole of each frond is very scaly and brown. The laminae, lanceolate in shape, have a slightly soft texture and a light green to tender green-grey colour, becoming lighter in filtered sunlight. Each frond persists until spring, then dries up as new shoots appear. The young croziers that emerge in spring are brown, then unfurl enveloped in a very pale down, taking on a silvery hue.

Polystichum setiferum Densum is a fairly hardy species (down to -18 °C (-0.4 °F)) that adapts to many cool and shaded situations, in well-drained soil as it dislikes stagnant moisture. The 'Densum' variety can be grown in most regions. Its silky fronds emerge from the shade, inviting us to touch them, whether along a shaded path or when emerging from a cool rockery. In undergrowth, under large trees, it can be paired with simple and undemanding plants such as butcher's broom, nodding cranesbill, or brunneras. It also pairs well with non-invasive bamboo, shrubby fuchsias, bergenia, and corydalis. Ferns are magnificent by the water's edge or combined with stones in large shaded rockeries. This lovely fern can also be planted in a large pot filled with fertile soil.