Soft ‘Shield’ — Evergreen Perennial Fern, 1L Pot (Set of 3 or 6)
Soft ‘Shield’ — Evergreen Perennial Fern, 1L Pot (Set of 3 or 6)
Soft ‘Shield’ — A hardy herbaceous perennial. Supplied as a set of 3 or 6 well-rooted plants in 1L pots, grown peat-free at our Yorkshire nursery and ready to plant out.
At a glance
- Type: Evergreen Perennial Fern
- Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade
- Supplied as: Set of 3 or 6 plants in 1L pots
The detail
Bring lush, year-round greenery to the shadier corners of your garden with this set of three Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum) plants. Renowned for its graceful, arching fronds and soft, finely divided foliage, this elegant fern is a stalwart of woodland planting schemes and shaded borders. Each plant is supplied in a 1 litre pot, well-established and ready to plant out.
Plant in a sheltered or semi-sheltered spot in partial to full shade. Soft Shield Fern thrives in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil but is remarkably adaptable and will tolerate drier conditions once established. Incorporate plenty of organic matter such as leaf mould or compost at planting time. Water regularly during the first growing season to help the roots establish. In late winter or early spring, trim away any old or damaged fronds to make way for fresh new growth.
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
| Botanical name | Polystichum setiferum |
| Growth habit | Arching, Shuttlecock-Forming Rosette |
| Position | Partial Shade to Full Shade |
| Soil | Moist, Well-Drained, Humus-Rich (tolerates drier conditions once established) |
| Hardiness | Fully Hardy (down to –20°C) |
| Best for | Shaded Borders, Woodland Gardens, Ground Cover, Containers |
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?
Sets are supplied as 3 or 6 individual plants in 1L pot, well-rooted and ready to plant out or pot on.