Hard shield fern
Common Name: Hard shield fern
Genus: Polystichum
Species: aculeatum
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Moist
Height: 45cm
Spread: 90cm
Time to divide plants: March to May
An evergreen fern, this has tapering, ladder-like leaves, with each leaflet subdivided to give a finely cut, feathery appearance. This is a beautifully textured plant that associates brilliantly with Solomon's seal, variegated hostas and astilbes in light shade in a border, or with rhododendrons, camellias and Japanese maples in light woodland. It looks especially good with corydalis rambling through it. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it their Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Looks good with:
Polygonatum x hybridumAstilbe x arendsii 'Amethyst'
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