Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen'

Common name: Soft Shield Fern

Description: Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen' is an exceptionally graceful and ornamental evergreen fern producing long, feathery, finely divided fronds with a soft, lacy texture that creates an elegant shuttlecock form. Each frond is rich dark green and gently arching, giving the plant a beautiful, almost fairy-tale quality in shaded garden settings. Evergreen through all but the harshest winters, it provides reliable year-round structure in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and under trees, where few other plants will thrive.

Other benefits: exceptionally ornamental, evergreen year-round interest, effective in deep shade

Wildlife attraction: provides shelter and habitat for small invertebrates, slow worms, and ground beetles

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 80cm x 90cm

Position: partial shade to full shade

Soil pH: neutral to slightly acid; humus-rich

Moisture: moist but well-drained; mulch annually to retain moisture

Winter hardiness: cold hardy to -20°C