Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Polystichum setiferum (Congestum Group) 'Congestum'

soft shield fern 'Congestum'

A clump-forming dwarf evergreen fern with dense, upright fronds and overlapping leaflets.

Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Polystichum are mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen ferns, with short stout rhizomes and pinnately divided fronds in neat shuttlecock-like rosettes

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moist but free draining soil in partial shade. Can tolerate sun if the soil remains moist. See how to grow ferns

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.