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Polystichum setiferum Densum - Soft Shield Fern

Polystichum setiferum Densum
Soft Shield Fern

2,4/5
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2 reviews

I absolutely don't want it to shoot. I have one that has literally turned black with no return, I think...

Miguel , 14/07/2023

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

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A truly delightful fern, with dense and crisped foliage, whose fronds evoke large feathers of a bright green colour and are soft to the touch. This evergreen and hardy fern, 50 cm (20 in) tall, is quite easy to grow in shady conditions, in moist and well-drained, humus-rich soil.
Height at maturity
50 cm
Spread at maturity
50 cm
Exposure
Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November
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Description

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.

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 50 cm
Spread at maturity 50 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Polystichum

Species

setiferum

Cultivar

Densum

Family

Dryopteridaceae

Other common names

Soft Shield Fern

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference875811

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Planting and care

Polystichum setiferum Densum is easy to grow in shady or semi-shady positions, in a humus-rich to clayey soil that is moist but well drained, and slightly acidic or neutral. It particularly appreciates a light substrate, composed of humus, sand, and dead leaves. Protect the crown with a thick mulch of dead leaves in winter, in regions with wet and very cold winters, to protect the stump from excessive winter moisture. The old fronds of these ferns should be cut back in early spring, flush with the stump, so that you can fully enjoy the extraordinary spectacle of the new fronds' growth each year. It is hardy to approximately -15/-18 °C (5/-0.4 °F).

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Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time February to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Edge of border, Container, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 5 per m2
Exposure Partial shade, Shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, humus-rich, well-draining

Care

Pruning instructions Remove the old browned fronds at the start of vegetation.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March to April
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
2,4/5
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