Polystichum rigens rigid shield fern
size/type
low perennial,low perennial
usual height
0,3-0,4m
usual width
0,4-0,6m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
location
semi-shade to shade
soil type
neutral to alkaline
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist but well-drained
USDA zone (lowest)
5b (down to -27°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
There can be a confusion about the English common names such as holly fern or shield fern as they refer to more than one genus which is rather misleading. It is always best to differentiate ferns by their Latin names for scientific works and papers. Especially in a genus as large as polystichum which consists of about 500 species. Most of them are Asian taxons and 208 alone are of Chinese origin.
Description of the plant:
Rigid shield fern is a compact evergreen fern from Japan. Its bipinnate fronds, especially on older plants, are so dissected that they look like 3-pinnate. They are 30-40 cm long and form a dense, slightly upright but mounding habit. Individual leaflets are leathery, rich green, glossy and textured. Rigid shield fern is a woodland species that lives in light to deep shade with plenty of moisture or air humidity, but well-drained soil. Most polystichum species prefer alkaline soil but they can also get used to slightly acidic soil if rich in nutrients. Although evergreen, we always recommend removing all foliage just above ground level after winter, letting the entire plant re-grow and form new and healthy leaves. Hardy to min. -25 ° C (USDA zone 5b), perhaps more.
Last update: 11-06-2024
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GLOSSARY
- STANDARD QUALITY - Plants of this group are 1st class quality with number of branches and overall density adequate to their size and age, considering they were container grown.
- DE LUXE QUALITY - This label guarantees a luxurious quality of manually selected plants that, compared to their height and age, are exceptionally dense and beautiful.
- EXTRA - These plants are usually mature and bigger specimens with exceptional overall appearance.
- STANDARD (as described in the plant form) means a tree with a trunk of 190-210 cm and a crown at the top, unless specified differently. The commercial size for trees is their girth measured in the height of 1m from ground.
- HOBBY - These plants are of the same quality as our standard-quality plants but younger and therefore cheaper.
- SHRUB - a woody plant with branches growing bushy from the ground level.
- HALF-STANDARD or MINI-STANDARD - a small tree with shorter trunk, its size is usually specified.
- FEATHERED - These are trees with branches growing already from the base of the trunk and up along the stem.
- GRASSES and PERENNIALS - Sizes given usually read the diameter of the pot or the clump, as specified.
