Soft shield fern has soft-textured foliage that makes this evergreen fern a very popular ornamental plant. It’s cultivated worldwide as a garden ornamental and it prefers moist but well-drained soil.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Polystichum setiferum, the soft shield fern, is an evergreen or semi-evergreen fern. The stalks and most midribs are coated with cinnamon-brown scales. The Latin specific epithet setiferum means “with bristles”.
It is most abundant in Ireland, southwestern Great Britain, western France and northwest Iberia, where it benefits from the combination of mild winters and moist summers, but also occurs more locally north to northern Scotland and east to the Crimea and Turkey; in the Mediterranean it usually grows at high altitudes. It grows in woodlands, often but not always on steep slopes.
The fern’s bright green fronds are 30–120 cm (12–47 in) long, usually drooping downslope, with typically four to ten fronds on a mature plant. The fronds are soft-textured, bipinnate (single-pinnate on small, young plants), with the pinnae opposite on the stalk. Each pinna is 4–14 cm (2–6 in) long, with a large upward-pointing pinnule at the base, and the other pinnules decreasing in size toward the pinna tip; the pinnules have softly bristly tips. Individual fronds remain lush and fresh-looking throughout the season. They live for nine to fifteen months and remain attached to the rhizome after withering. The round sori occupy two rows on either side of the midrib of each pinnule and are covered by a centrally-attached, umbrella-like indusium with fringed edges. They produce light yellow spores.
Polystichum setiferum is frequently cultivated as an ornamental plant for use in gardens. There are many cultivars available: over 300 have been described although most are no longer in cultivation or not considered sufficiently distinct for an individual name.
II. How to Grow and Care
Soft shield fern is known for its adaptability and ease of care, making it a favored choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Key care points include maintaining consistently moist soil without waterlogging and providing a shady to partial sun location that mimics its natural understory habitat. Special care should be given to protect soft shield fern from harsh winds and extreme temperatures, which could damage the delicate fronds and impede growth.
Sunlight
Soft shield fern thrives best in partial sun, where it receives filtered sunlight for several hours a day. Despite preferring dappled light, it can tolerate full shade and indirect sunlight well, making it versatile in various garden settings. Deviations from its ideal light conditions may result in reduced vigor and dense foliage. This fern exhibits adaptive traits such as adjusting leaf orientation to optimize light absorption. Outdoors, soft shield fern should be planted in a spot that mimics the light conditions of its natural woodland habitat; it is less commonly kept as an indoor plant due to its specific light requirements.
Watering
Thriving in the moist, shaded woodlands of its native habitat, soft shield fern has adapted to environments with consistent humidity. This species exhibits a preference for evenly moist soil and demonstrates moderate drought tolerance once established. Regular watering is essential, aligning with a frequency of twice a week to maintain its lush foliage. Soft shield fern is more commonly grown outdoors due to its affinity for natural light and climate zones that mimic its forest origins. In these settings, it’s important to ensure the soil remains damp but not waterlogged, particularly during its active growing season.
Fertilizing
For optimal health, soft shield fern benefits from regular feedings with high nitrogen fertilizers to support lush frond growth. Apply a diluted solution once monthly during the growing season, cutting back in winter. Over-fertilization can damage sensitive roots, so use sparingly—no more than a tablespoon per gallon of water. Young ferns may require more frequent feeding as they establish. Always water soft shield fern thoroughly post-fertilization to distribute nutrients and avoid root burn. Knowledge of soft shield fern’s nutritional needs ensures vibrant foliage and a robust plant.
Propagation
Soft shield fern is a perennial fern that thrives in shady gardens and woodland settings. Propagation can be successfully achieved through division, which involves separating mature clumps during the plant’s active growth phase. Careful handling is crucial to preserve the delicate root system. It is important to divide the clumps into sections with healthy roots and fronds, and then replant these divisions at the same depth they were growing. Steady moisture and avoiding direct sunlight will assist in the successful establishment of new plants.
Transplanting
Ideally, soft shield fern should be transplanted during its dormancy, Spring or early Autumn, to minimize disruption. This resilient plant adapts well in partially shaded locations and stellar drained soil conditions. Whenever transplanting, consider firming the soil to mitigate air pockets.
Repotting
Repot soft shield fern every 2-3 years to accommodate its spreading habit and ensure robust growth. Ideal repotting is in late winter or early spring, ahead of its growing season. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage to avoid waterlogging. Post-repotting, place soft shield fern in indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist for effective acclimatization. Soft shield fern’s lavish fronds thrive with minimal aftercare.
III. Uses and Benefits
This plant is a great choice for shady beds, borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage gardens, rock gardens, and woodlands. Combines well with hellebores, hostas, wild ginger (Asarum), bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla), and epimediums.