The Story
Plant Bio
Polystichum setiferum 'Divisilobum' is a clumping fern with finely divided, feathery fronds that create a lush, arching foliage display in shaded garden areas.
This cultivar is distinguished by its particularly delicate, lacy fronds with a softer texture and more refined appearance compared to other Polystichum setiferum varieties.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
24 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moist
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia, Europe
Toxicity
Non-toxic to pets
Bloom period
Late summer – Late fall
In flower about 4 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores into moist soil in spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for best growth
- Place in partial to full shade for optimal health
- Water regularly during dry spells
- Mulch around base to retain moisture
- Divide clumps every 3–4 years for rejuvenation
Pro Tip
Maintain consistently moist, well-drained soil for lush growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 💧
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Provide partial to full shade for optimal growth
- Divide every few years to maintain vigor
- Fertilize with a balanced fern fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Avoid direct, hot sunlight ☀️
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy, compacted soils
- Do not over-fertilize, which can burn roots
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Divisilobum Soft Shield Fern questions
What zones can Divisilobum Soft Shield Fern grow in?
Divisilobum Soft Shield Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Divisilobum Soft Shield Fern deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Divisilobum Soft Shield Fern, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Divisilobum Soft Shield Fern bloom?
Divisilobum Soft Shield Fern typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Divisilobum Soft Shield Fern need full sun?
Divisilobum Soft Shield Fern does best in part shade.
More Polystichum to compare
Western Sword Fern
Polystichum munitum
Christmas Fern
Polystichum acrostichoides
Soft Shield Fern
Polystichum setiferum
Makino's Holly Fern
Polystichum makinoi
Japanese Tassel Fern
Polystichum polyblepharum
Plumosomultilobum Soft Shield Fern
Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosomultilobum'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Divisilobum Soft Shield Fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.