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Genus Polystichum

Polystichum makinoi Photo/Illustration: Steve Aitken

pol-ISS-tih-kum

The genus Polystichum is comprised of 200 species of mostly evergreen, terrestrial ferns that are found worldwide in a variety of habitats. These excellent foliage plants are useful in rock or shade gardens, ferneries, in borders, or as woodland groundcovers. They can also be grown in a greenhouse where not hardy. Their lance-shaped, pinnate fronds are usually arranged in a shuttlecock shape. Some species bear fronds that are glossy, leathery, or hairy. Polystichum offer a long season of interest and combine well with many types of plants.
Noteworthy characteristics: Lance-shaped fronds that thrive in shade. Generally trouble-free.
Care: Polystichum species need fertile, humusy, well-drained soil in full or part shade. Tidy up by removing dead fronds before new growth unfurls.
Propagation: Divide in spring. Separate fronds with bulbils in autumn. Sow spores at 59° to 61°F when ripe.
Problems: Infrequent.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Polystichum

Polystichum acrostichoides
(Christmas fern) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

The Christmas fern is a particularly accommodating garden plant. It is adapted to a wide range of conditions, from very dry to moist, and is hardy to Zone 3. The plant’s 1- to 2-foot fronds are dependably evergreen—hence the common name—but they lie flat on the ground through the winter. Few hardy ferns have more beautiful deep, glossy green foliage.

Polystichum makinoi
(Makinoi's holly fern) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

This evergreen terrestial fern has a somewhat formal look due to its satiny olive-green fronds and neat, arching habit.

Polystichum munitum
(Western sword fern) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

Western sword ferns abound in the forests of the Northwestern U.S. They are robust, reliable, and virtually maintenance-free. They put up with difficult soil and manage to keep up appearances even in hot, dry weather. Their deep green, leathery fronds are attractive year-round.