Elegant evergreen & deciduous ferns with finely textured fronds, bringing soft woodland character and lush greenery to shaded gardens and containers.

Shield Fern varieties such as Polystichum setiferum selections and the striking Sunset Fern, Dryopteris lepidopoda, are classic hardy ferns prized for their graceful, arching fronds and refined texture. Their layered foliage creates a calm, natural look ideal for woodland planting schemes, shaded borders, and sheltered containers. From the warm, coppery young fronds of Sunset Fern to the finely divided, feathery foliage of Soft Shield Fern varieties, these plants form attractive clumps that add depth, structure, and gentle movement to foliage-focused planting displays.

Mature plants typically reach 40–80 cm tall with a similar spread, making them perfect for underplanting shrubs, brightening shaded corners, and adding interest beneath trees or larger garden plants. Supplied as strong, well-established 11 cm (approx. 1 L) rootball plants, available in sets of 3 or 6, these healthy, garden-ready ferns are prepared for reliable establishment. Professionally grown in peat-free compost at our UK nursery in Yorkshire and delivered in plastic-free packaging, they provide a sustainable way to introduce lush greenery and low-maintenance structure into shaded garden spaces.

Cultural Information

• Botanical Name: Dryopteris & Polystichum (Mixed Shield Fern Varieties)
• Common Name: Shield Fern, Soft Shield Fern, Sunset Fern
• Plant Type: Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen, or Deciduous Fern (variety dependent)
• Rootball Size: 11 cm (approx. 1 L)
• Mature Height: Approx. 40–80 cm (variety dependent)
• Mature Spread: Approx. 40–80 cm
• Growth Habit: Clump-forming with graceful, arching fronds
• Foliage: Deep green finely divided fronds; some varieties produce coppery young growth
• Seasonal Interest: Primarily foliage interest from spring through autumn; evergreen types provide winter greenery
• Planting Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade
• Soil Type: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during establishment
• Maintenance: Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to encourage fresh growth
• Hardiness: Fully hardy in most UK conditions
• Best Uses: Woodland gardens, shaded borders, underplanting shrubs, containers, foliage displays