Polystichum setiferum aka Hedge Fern
Taxonomy
Polystichum setiferum, also known as the soft shield fern, is a clump-forming fern that is native to southern and western Europe. It is a semi-evergreen to evergreen plant with a unique 'shuttlecock' growth habit, characterized by its delicate and feathery fronds. The fronds are bright green, ranging from 30 to 120 cm in length and typically drooping downslope. Each frond is soft-textured and bipinnate, with opposite pinnae on the stalk. The pinnae are 4 to 14 cm long, with a large upward-pointing pinnule at the base and smaller pinnules towards the tip. These pinnules have softly bristly tips, adding to the fern's attractive appearance. The fronds remain lush and fresh-looking throughout the season, living for nine to fifteen months before withering. They are adorned with round sori, which are positioned in two rows on each side of the midrib of the pinnule. These sori are covered by an indusium with fringed edges, resembling an umbrella. Polystichum setiferum produces light yellow spores, contributing to its overall charm and beauty.
Common names
Hedge Fern, Soft Shield Fern, English Hedge FernHow to care for Hedge Fern
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Hedge Fern is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Soil
Hedge Fern is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Soft Shield Fern is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Hedge Fern with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Hedge Fern with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Hedge Fern to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Hedge Fern should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Hedge Fern, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Polystichum Genus
Polystichum oculatum Common Shield Fern
Polystichum wawranum Black Shield Fern
Polystichum californicum California Swordfern
Polystichum dudleyi Dudley's Swordfern
Polystichum lonchitis Holly Fern
Polystichum proliferum Mother Shield Fern
Polystichum setiferum Hedge Fern
Polystichum neolobatum
