Polystichum setiferum Plumosum Densum - Soft Shield Fern

Polystichum setiferum Plumosum Densum is a charming fern, appreciated for its beautiful dense foliage resembling large feathers in a soft green colour, pleasing to both touch and sight. This lovely evergreen fern is quite easy to grow in shady conditions, in humus-rich and well-drained soil. Plant it in a woodland area or near a shaded water feature, where its moss-like 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, particularly the 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 belonging to the Dryopteridaceae family, with over 300 cultivars, some more distinct than others, including the 'Plumosum Densum' variety.

Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosum Densum' distinguishes itself from the type species with its very finely divided, moss-like foliage, and its ability to produce "keikis" (miniature ferns or bulblets) along the rachis of the lower fronds. This fern forms a well-shaped, elegant tuft, with a slightly spreading habit, reaching a height and width of 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in). The fronds have an expanded lamina in the centre, deeply divided into 30 to 40 pairs of toothed and undulate pinnules, covered in bristles. The petiole of each frond is scaly and brown. The lanceolate-shaped lamina has a somewhat soft texture and a light green to greyish-green colour, becoming lighter in filtered sunlight. Each frond remains until spring, then dries up as the young shoots emerge. The young croziers that unfurl in spring are brown, then develop a pale, curly wool-like covering, turning silvery.

Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosum Densum' is a fairly hardy species (down to -18 °C (-0.4 °F)) that adapts well to various cool and shaded conditions, in well-drained soil as it dislikes stagnant moisture. The 'Plumosum Densum' variety can be grown in most regions. Its silky, large fronds emerge from the shade, inviting us to touch them, whether in a shaded pathway or emerging from a fresh rock garden. In woodland areas, under large trees, it can be paired with simple and undemanding plants such as butcher's-broom, nodding perennial geranium, or brunneras. It also pairs well with non-invasive bamboo, shrubby fuchsias, bergenia, and corydalis. Ferns are magnificent near water features or combined with stones in large shaded rock gardens. This lovely fern can also be planted in a very large pot filled with fertile soil.