Plants in genus polystichum
Polystichum polyblepharum
Polystichum polyblepharum is a striking evergreen fern known for its dark, lacily-cut fronds that form a deer-resistant clump about 2 feet wide. This plant, native to Japan and South Korea, thrives in rich, well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions but not waterlogged soils or full sun. Its unique name, meaning 'many eyelashes,' reflects the intricate texture of its fronds. It provides excellent textural contrast in woodland gardens and maintains its beauty throughout winter. Awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, it is a reliable choice for shaded or dappled shade areas.
Polystichum aculeatum
Polystichum aculeatum is an evergreen fern native to Europe, particularly abundant in the British Isles and western France. It features glossy dark green fronds and is an indicator of ancient woodlands. This fern prefers damp, alkaline soils and has received the Award of Garden Merit.
Polystichum luctuosum
Polystichum luctuosum is a compact fern native to East Asia, forming a 1-foot tall evergreen clump with finely divided, silvery-green fronds. It prefers slightly moist to average soil moisture and grows well in part sun to shaded conditions. This fern is awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Polystichum setiferum
Polystichum setiferum is an evergreen or semi-evergreen fern native to Europe, known for its lacy fronds and cinnamon-brown scales. It forms a semi-evergreen clump and is suitable for shaded gardens, adding texture and interest with its unique foliage.
Polystichum braunii
Polystichum braunii, known as Braun's hollyfern, is a semi-evergreen fern native to Eurasia and North America. It forms a clump with ruffled edges on dark green foliage, making it suitable for woodland gardens. This fern thrives in shaded areas and adds a lush, textured element to the landscape.
Polystichum lepidocaulon
Polystichum lepidocaulon is an evergreen fern with glossy, holly-like leaves. The terminal pinnae morph into a whip-like tip that roots to form new plantlets. This plant is deer-resistant and thrives in light shade, making it an excellent groundcover. It is native to regions in China, Japan, and Korea, and is well-suited for living walls and shade gardens.
Polystichum tripteron
Polystichum tripteron is a robust fern native to the moist mountain woodlands of China, Japan, and Korea. It forms a 2-foot wide clump of medium green fronds, with the basal pair of pinnae being unusually long. This deciduous plant prefers light shade and is suitable for rain gardens.
Polystichum acrostichoides
Polystichum acrostichoides, commonly known as the Christmas fern, is a perennial evergreen native to eastern North America. It thrives in moist, shady habitats and is known for its dark, sturdy fronds that remain green throughout winter. This fern is deer-resistant and forms attractive colonies, making it a popular choice for groundcover in shaded garden areas.
Polystichum tsussimense
Polystichum tsussimense is a small, semi-evergreen fern native to Asia, featuring rich green, pinnate foliage and black stems. It forms tight clumps up to 15 inches wide and thrives in part sun to shade, making it ideal for dry shade gardens.
Polystichum munitum
Polystichum munitum, or the western sword fern, is an evergreen native fern that spreads easily and forms upright clumps. It features glossy, leathery fronds and is rabbit and deer-resistant. This fern is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9, growing up to 5 feet tall and wide. It prefers partial to full shade and consistently moist soil, making it adaptable to a wide range of conditions.
Polystichum setiferum 'Divisilobum'
Polystichum setiferum 'Divisilobum' is a semi-evergreen fern with very dissected foliage and an arching growth habit. It grows larger in the Pacific Northwest and prefers part sun to light shade.
Polystichum illyricum
Polystichum illyricum is a European fern hybrid known for its glossy green, plastic-like fronds that can reach 2 feet long. It forms an evergreen clump and is well-suited for light shade environments. This fern's unique texture and resilience make it a charming addition to shaded garden areas.
Polystichum neolobatum 'Yu Wa'
Polystichum neolobatum 'Yu Wa' is an evergreen fern collected from China's Yu Wa Valley, forming an 18-inch tall by 2-foot wide clump. It features arching, glossy green foliage and thrives on mild slopes with rich, evenly moist soil.
Polystichum xiphophyllum
Polystichum xiphophyllum is a Chinese fern with an evergreen, symmetrical mound of upright, stiff fronds. The fronds are dark green and about 1 foot long, making it suitable for moist woodland gardens. This fern adds a lush, green texture to shaded areas.
Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen'
Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen' is a semi-evergreen fern with narrow, soft, lacy green foliage. It forms a clump about 30 inches wide and 18 inches tall, preferring slightly moist soils with a near-neutral pH. This fern is well-suited for shaded areas and adds a delicate texture to garden landscapes.
Polystichum neozelandicum ssp. neozelandicum
Polystichum neozelandicum ssp. neozelandicum is a fern native to New Zealand, known for its 2-foot long, dark blue-green fronds held on hairy black stems. Traditionally, young fronds were eaten by the Māori people. This rare fern thrives in dry, shaded areas and is raised from spores.
Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosomultilobum'
Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosomultilobum' is a fern with very finely divided fronds, giving it a lacy appearance. It forms a 14-inch tall by 18-inch wide clump and produces small viviparous plantlets on the leaves in October and November. This fern thrives in hot, humid climates and is appreciated for its delicate foliage.
Polystichum makinoi
Polystichum makinoi is an elegant, deer-resistant fern native to the forested mountains of China and surrounding countries. It forms a 2-foot tall and wide clump of dark green, lacy, evergreen foliage. This easy-to-grow plant thrives in part sun to light shade and is named after Japanese botanist Tomitaro Makino.
Polystichum setiferum 'Bevis'
Polystichum setiferum 'Bevis' is one of the largest clones of the European soft shield fern, forming symmetrical clumps up to 30 inches tall and 4 feet wide. This evergreen fern prefers slightly moist, rich, organic soil and is known for its lush, green fronds. Discovered in Somerset, England in the 1800s, it received the RHS Award of Merit in 1984, highlighting its ornamental value.
Polystichum dycei
Polystichum dycei is a robust-growing fern hybrid known for its deer-resistant clumps. It produces new plants at the end of its fronds through proliferation, making it a unique addition to shaded garden areas.
Polystichum mayebarai
Polystichum mayebarai, known as the Korean Rock Fern, is the largest form of Polystichum tsus-simense. It forms a 15-inch tall evergreen clump with 2-foot long fronds, making it a striking addition to shaded garden areas.
Polystichum retrosopaleaceum
Polystichum retrosopaleaceum is an easy-to-grow evergreen fern native to Japan, characterized by its glossy, dark green fronds that narrow toward the base. It thrives in moist, woodland garden settings, adding a lush, natural feel to shaded areas.
Polystichum setiferum 'Mossy Mama'
Polystichum setiferum 'Mossy Mama' is a unique fern with finely dissected foliage, offering a soft texture ideal for woodland gardens. This sporeling of 'Divisilobum' produces tiny plantlets on its fronds late in the season. It thrives in intense heat and humidity, making it a resilient choice for shaded areas. Its elegant appearance and adaptability to various garden settings make it a standout among evergreen perennials.
Polystichum tsus-simense 'Nan Ping'
Polystichum tsus-simense 'Nan Ping' is a compact evergreen fern with very dark green, leathery foliage. It thrives in lightly shaded gardens and is a beautiful addition to any landscape.
Polystichum setiferum 'Rotundatum Cristatum'
Polystichum setiferum 'Rotundatum Cristatum' is a soft shield fern from Southern Europe, characterized by its rounded pinnules and uniquely branching 20-inch fronds. It prefers slightly moist, near-neutral soils and is suitable for shade gardens.