Polystichum 'Plumosum'
Polystichum 'Plumosum'
Polystichum 'Plumosum'
Polystichum 'Plumosum'
Polystichum 'Plumosum'
Polystichum 'Plumosum'
Polystichum 'Plumosum'

Polystichum 'Plumosum'

"Dwarf soft shield fern"

Polystichum 'Plumosum'

1 bare root — £6.95

Spring planting season is currently closed 
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Delivery schedule

Orders placed until 29 February 2025
You can expect your order in February/March 2025

Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2025
You can expect your order in March/April 2025

Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2025
You can expect your order within 10 business days

Available for (pre)ordering again in December
Free delivery on UK orders over £50
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UK orders over £50
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UK orders under £50
£4.99

Northern Ireland orders under £50
£5.99

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Description

Watch the fantastic fronds of Polystichum 'Plumosum' unroll from tight coils in spring every year to create a mini jungle of Jurassic-looking leaves! Commonly known as dwarf soft shield fern, Polystichum 'Plumosum' is a clump forming hardy perennial which grows larger and denser every year until fully established. Each frond is shield shaped and formed of densely-packed pinnules which each have a slight curly twist, providing terrific texture and lush greenery to fill the shaded areas of the garden.   

Typical of ferns, Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosum' enjoys a rich, damp soil and a cool, shady position. They’re incredibly low maintenance and can simply be left to their own devices for most of the year—all they really require is to have the past year’s fronds cut right down to the crown once a year at some point between autumn and early spring. Plant this dwarf soft shield fern among other ferns or shade-loving plants like hostas to transform a dull space into a cool and leafy oasis! 

In the past, some people believed they would become invisible if they ate fern seeds.

Key features

  • Perfect for pots

  • Comes back every year

  • Loved by pollinators

  • Great for shade

  • In peat-free compost

  • Low maintenance

  • Fully hardy

Specs & details

  • Botanical name

    Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosum'

  • Plant size

    1

  • Established height

    30-50cm

  • Established spread

    30-50cm

  • Plant spacing

    5 plants per m2

  • Leaf colour

    Green

  • Habit

    Upright
    Clump-forming

  • Life cycle

    Perennial

  • Hardiness

    Fully hardy

  • Years to establish

    2-3 years

  • Sunlight

    Full shade
    Partial shade
    Dappled shade

  • Position

    Sheltered

  • Suitable for

    Pots
    Large containers
    Borders
    Cottage gardens
    Low maintenance gardens
    Pots

  • Soil acidity

    Any

  • Soil moisture

    Damp
    Free draining

  • Soil type

    Loam
    Clay
    Loam-based compost
    Sandy

  • Growing skill

    Easy to grow

  • Scented

    No

  • Pollinator-friendly

    Yes

  • Mouse resistant

    No

  • Rabbit resistant

    Yes

  • Deer resistant

    Yes

  • Toxicity

    No report

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDec
  • Planting
  • Flowering

Useful information

    • Soak the Polystichum 'Plumosum' roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting

    • Plant your "Dwarf soft shield fern" bare roots into temporary pots with a multipurpose compost in spring and grow-on in a sheltered spot outdoors

    • Choose a pot which comfortably fits the bare roots. Some have a noticeable crown which should be just below the soil surface with any top growth exposed. Some varieties are a length of root which should be planted lengthways and shallowly (1-2cm deep).

    • Plant out into borders or permanent containers in late spring or early summer once in full growth. Choose a position in sun or shade depending on the variety.

    Read all planting & care instructions

  • Orders placed until 29 February 2025
    You can expect your order in February/March 2025

    Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2025
    You can expect your order in March/April 2025

    Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2025
    You can expect your order within 10 business days

Perennials in 1 minute

The beauty of perennial plants doesn’t just lie in their long-lasting flowers and sturdy, resilient nature, but it’s their sheer determination to keep on coming back stronger every year —in year one they’re good, but in future years they’re even better!

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