Also known as Shield Fern · 582 saves
Polystichum
Polystichum, the genus most gardeners know as shield fern. We track 20 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 20 most-saved Polystichum varieties
6 species of Polystichum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Polystichum in Sow
Save the Polystichum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Polystichum
Whats common across all Polystichum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 20 most-grown of them.
The Polystichum year
- MulchMarch and April95% of varieties
Refresh organic mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool
- DivideMarch, April and September95% of varieties
Divide large, crowded clumps every 3-5 years
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March95% of varieties
Remove any old, brown, or damaged fronds before new growth begins
- PlantMarch, April, September and October35% of varieties
Plant or transplant in spring or early fall
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Divide in early spring to promote healthy growth
Avoid
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds ❌
What goes wrong with Polystichum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted fronds | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Scale insects | Small bumps on stems or fronds | Use horticultural oil or remove manually |
| Slugs | Chewed fronds and holes in leaves | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Slugs and snails | Irregular holes and slime trails on fronds | Use organic slug bait or handpick pests during damp evenings |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning fronds | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Fungal leaf spots | Spotted or discolored fronds | Apply fungicide and ensure good air circulation |
| Rhizoctonia root rot | Wilting, browning at base | Ensure well-drained soil, avoid overwatering |
Making more Polystichum
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring.
- Separate into smaller sections with roots intact.
- Plant divisions into moist soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Wait 4-6 weeks for establishment.
Spores
- Collect spores from mature fronds in late summer.
- Sow spores on moist, sterile seed-starting mix.
- Cover lightly and keep moist.
- Maintain humidity and indirect light.
- Germination occurs in 6-8 weeks.
Polystichum questions
How many types of Polystichum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 20 distinct Polystichum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 582 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Polystichum grow in?
Across its varieties, Polystichum covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Polystichum bloom?
Most Polystichum varieties bloom in early spring, late fall, early fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Polystichum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.