Polystichum setiferum (Divisilobum Group) 'Herrenhausen'
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Common Name: soft shield fern
Type: Fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Zone: 6 to 8
Height: 1 to 1.5 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: Non-flowering
Bloom Description: Non-flowering
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Leaves: Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerates: Dense Shade, Deer, Rabbits

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium moisture soils in part shade to full shade. Some tolerance for dry soils. Consider planting rhizome at an angle to help combat potential crown rot problems which most often occur in poorly drained soils. May not be consistently winter hardy in the St. Louis area where it should be planted in a protected location.

Noteworthy Characteristics

‘Herrenhausen’ is a soft shield fern cultivar that typically forms a dense, erect-arching clump to 18” tall. This is a compact, finely-cut, semi-evergreen fern that is considered to be part of the Divisilobum group. Dark green fronds are tripinnate.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Crown rot may occur in poorly drained soils, particularly in winter.

Garden Uses

Excellent selection for shaded borders and rock gardens, woodland gardens and wild gardens.

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