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Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen'

soft shield fern

Dryopteridaceae

Europe (species); cultivar of garden origin

Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 6–8

Overview

Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen' is an evergreen to semi-evergreen fern selected for its low, spreading habit, growing 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall and 24–30 inches (60–75 cm) wide. Its soft, finely divided fronds are twice- to thrice-pinnate and arch outward close to the ground, giving a lacier, flatter shape than the more upright 2–4 foot (60–120 cm) fronds of the species P. setiferum. The fronds are matte green with a soft texture, and the stalks carry pale brown scales. New croziers unfurl in spring while older fronds persist, so the plant holds foliage through mild winters. It spreads slowly into a low colony rather than a tight clump. It grows in partial to full shade and moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and the fronds tatter in dry soil or cold, drying wind. Old fronds flatten and brown by late winter and can be cleared before new growth.

Native Range

The species Polystichum setiferum is native to western and southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, where it grows in shaded woodland and on damp, rocky banks. The cultivar 'Herrenhausen' arose in cultivation and is propagated by division.

Suggested Uses

Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen' is used as ground cover and edging in shade and woodland gardens, along shaded paths, and in containers, spaced 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart. Its low, spreading habit suits the front of shaded borders where taller ferns would lean. It combines with hostas, hellebores, and spring woodland bulbs.

How to Identify

Identify the cultivar by its low, spreading mound of soft, finely divided, twice- to thrice-pinnate fronds 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall, lower and flatter than the upright fronds of the species. The frond stalks carry pale brown scales, and new croziers are covered in the same scales as they unfurl. The soft texture and ground-hugging habit separate it from stiffer, more upright shield ferns.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread2' - 2'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

As a fern, Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen' produces no flowers. It reproduces by spores borne in round clusters (sori) on the undersides of mature fronds in summer and autumn. The soft, evergreen fronds persist year-round in place of any floral display.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Matte green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen' grows in partial to full shade and moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Steady moisture keeps the fronds full, while dry soil and drying wind cause them to tatter. A spring mulch of leaf mold conserves moisture and feeds the shallow roots. The plant is evergreen in mild winters and semi-evergreen where cold flattens the older fronds. Cutting the old fronds back in late winter before the croziers unfurl keeps the plant tidy. It is hardy to about USDA zone 6.

Pruning

The old fronds can be cut back to the base in late winter, just before the new croziers unfurl, to clear flattened or browned growth. No other pruning is needed during the year. Cutting fresh fronds is avoided, as each plant produces a limited flush in spring.

Pruning Schedule

winter