Also known as Shield Fern · 506 gardener saves
Polystichum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Polystichum, the genus most gardeners know as shield fern. We track 20 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Polystichum varieties
Of 20 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedWestern Sword Fern
Polystichum munitum
#2 most savedChristmas Fern
Polystichum acrostichoides
#3 most savedSoft Shield Fern
Polystichum setiferum
Makino's Holly Fern
Polystichum makinoi
Japanese Tassel Fern
Polystichum polyblepharum
Soft Shield Fern
Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosomultilobum'
Hybrid Shield Fern
Polystichum x hybrida
Hard Shield Fern
Polystichum aculeatum
Asian Saber Fern
Polystichum neolobatum 'Yu Wa'
Braun's Holly Fern
Polystichum braunii
Trifid Shield Fern
Polystichum tripteron
Soft Shield Fern
Polystichum setiferum 'Rotundatum Cristatum'
Browse all 20 Polystichum varieties →
How to grow Polystichum
What the Polystichum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 20 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
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 506 real gardener saves — 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, non-blooming. 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.
Keep exploring
Polystichum shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Polystichum in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
