Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen'

Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen' – Herrenhausen Soft Shield Fern

Polystichum setiferum 'Herrenhausen', commonly known as Herrenhausen Soft Shield Fern, is a beautiful, hardy, semi-evergreen fern prized for its exceptionally delicate, lace-like foliage and graceful, spreading habit. A cultivated form of the native Soft Shield Fern, it produces broad, finely divided, soft green fronds that arch elegantly outwards, creating a distinctive, almost horizontal appearance.

New fronds emerge in spring with attractive silvery-brown scales. Growing approximately 50–80 cm high and 80–100 cm wide, this ornamental fern forms a handsome, spreading clump, providing texture and year-round interest.

Thriving in partial to full shade, it prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, banks, rockeries and underplanting trees, its finely textured foliage contrasts beautifully with hostas, hellebores and other shade-loving perennials.