male fern
Dryopteris filix-mas
1 ft 11⅝ in–2 ft 11⅜ in × 1 ft 11⅝ in–2 ft 11⅜ in
Low maintenanceperennial
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Perennial · Dryopteridaceae family
Soft shield fern
Polystichum setiferum
Part shade to shade 11¾ in–2 ft 11⅞ in × 2 ft–2 ft 11⅞ in to −73 °F
In short a 10-second read
LightPart shade to shade
Size11¾ in–2 ft 11⅞ in
spacing 19¾ in
spacing 19¾ in
PlantingApril–May, September–October
WinterProtect from winter wet
Where to plant and how much to water
Light, soil and water.
It grows best in part shade to shade, in average soil.
Sun
Sun6 hours or more
Part shade3–6 hours
Shadeunder 3 h
Soil
tolerates any pH
acidicneutralalkaline
Watering
Frost
−73 °F
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (69 in).
11¾ in–2 ft 11⅞ in× spread 2 ft–2 ft 11⅞ in
Plant 19¾ in 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.
Typical for a temperate climate (four seasons). The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
PlantingFeeding
Now, in October: a good time for planting (container plant).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
container plant: April–May, September–October
Feeding
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
March–May
Feeding
Nutrition.
Light
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
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 2 ft–2 ft 11⅞ in wide and 11¾ in–2 ft 11⅞ in tall; recommended spacing 19¾ in.
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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