Soft ‘Shield’ — Hardy Evergreen Perennial Fern, 1L Pot

Soft ‘Shield’ — A hardy herbaceous perennial. Supplied as an established specimen in a 1L pot, grown peat-free at our Yorkshire nursery and ready to plant out.

At a glance

• Type: Hardy Evergreen Perennial Fern
• Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade
• Supplied as: Single plant in a 1L pot

The detail

Transform shady corners of your garden with this collection of six Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum) plants. Renowned for their graceful, finely divided fronds that arch elegantly from a central crown, these ferns bring lush, year-round greenery to areas where many other plants struggle. Each plant is supplied as a well-established 1 litre root-ball, ready to plant out and settle in quickly.

Polystichum setiferum is one of the most reliable and attractive native British ferns, widely celebrated for its soft-textured, shuttlecock-like habit. The mid-green fronds are beautifully detailed with delicate pinnae, creating a layered, feathery appearance that adds texture and depth to borders, woodland plantings and containers. As a fully hardy evergreen, it retains its foliage throughout winter, providing structure and interest even in the coldest months.

Why ours

Grown by us in Yorkshire, in peat-free compost, shipped in plastic-free packaging. Every plant arrives strong, well-rooted and ready to thrive — not weeks of waiting before it gets going. Each order includes access to our free care app with planting and seasonal care reminders.

How to grow

Frequently asked

Will it come back next year?

Yes — Soft ‘Shield’ is a hardy herbaceous perennial. It will die back over winter and re-emerge in spring, returning bigger and stronger each year.

What size pot does it arrive in?

Supplied as a single specimen in 1L pot, well-rooted and ready to plant out or pot on.