Polystichum: Fern

Polystichum ferns hail from a wide variety of places, including North America, Eastern Asia, Europe and Oceana. The name is from the Greek (poly=many and stichos=row).

Most ferns are rugged, adapted not only to cold climates but to high heat and humidity. They are well suited to any shade from light to dense and tolerate light to medium sun exposure. These long lived plants will grow in most any soil, but light, fertile woodland soil with plenty of humus is preferred.

They can be propagated by dividing rhizomes in very early spring or in autumn after the fronds have died back. Under the right condition of moist soils between 60 & 70 degrees F ripe spores will germinate, making naturalization easy.

With good cultural conditions Polystichum are very low maintenance and very easy care. Clean-up is easy and straightforward, just cut back the old dead foliage seasonally. Removing the spent fronds encourages new growth and will guarantee beautiful evergreen ferns with new fronds unfolding.

Larva of codling moth can make a home in the tips of the frond, curling them and rolling them up. There are generally no disease problems.