Soft Shield Fern

Polystichum setiferum

• Position: full or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The large, evergreen fern is a native of Britain, with soft, dark green fronds hat emerge upright before unfurling and falling softly open. Try it among other foliage plants at the front of a shady, well-drained, border or beneath deciduous trees. Either cut back the old foliage in early January to allow space for spring bulbs, or leave them in place until April when the new fronds appear.
  
  
• Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole.Remove dead foliage in spring.