Perennial · Dryopteridaceae family
Soft shield fern
Polystichum setiferum
In short a 10-second read
spacing 50 cm
Where to plant and how much to water
Light, soil and water.
It grows best in part shade to shade, in average soil.
Sun
Soil
Watering
Frost
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Plant 50 cm apart.
Reaches maturity in about 5–10 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
Through the year.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Planting
container plant: April–May, September–October
Feeding
March–May
Feeding
Nutrition.
Pests and diseases
Common problems and what to do.
The most common problems in Central Europe. Protection is listed from the gentlest option.
No serious pests or diseases
Generally pest-free and disease-free; protect the crown from excess winter wet.
Sources (1)
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
Does soft shield fern tolerate shade?
Yes, it tolerates full shade.
How much space does soft shield fern need?
At maturity 0.61–0.91 m wide and 0.3–0.91 m tall; recommended spacing 50 cm.
Sources (15) Checked 24 October 2026
- plants.ces.ncsu.edu
- shop.foerster-stauden.de
- gaertnerei-strickler.de
- bamberger-staudengarten-shop.de
- missouribotanicalgarden.org
- rhs.org.uk 2 3
- yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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