Polystichum aculeatum

Hard shield fern is an evergreen species found in many locations around the Globe. Being so ubiquitous many botanists from several countries where it wildly grows presume it originated there. You will find it in most elevated parts of Central and North Europe, Caucasus, Far East and Central Asia, even North Africa, and N.E. USA and Canada.

It produces 30-90 cm long, bipinnate fronds composed of lance-shaped, acute leaflets (pinnae). It can be distinguished from other polystichum ferns by the last upper pinnae that is up to twice as large as the others. They are dark green and very glossy which makes this fer an attractive companion plant in mixed borders as well as containers. The taxon received the Award of Garden Merit by the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society of the United Kingdom).

Hard shield fern grows in both sun and shade, just make sure it does not dry out in full sun so keep it mulched. It like evenly moist, fertile soil, preferably of alkaline pH but will cope with neutral or even acidic soil. The only thing it hates is water-logged or heavy, compacted ground. It responds well to feeding. It is hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4) and allegedly root-hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3).

Last update: 03-12-2020