Rigid Shield Fern | Polystichum rigens
Architectural, rugged beauty
Grown by Jack
Hereford
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Rigid Shield Fern
Polystichum rigens
- Polystichum rigens, also called Rigid Shield Fern, is a visually striking fern species known for its upright growth habit and bold, dark green fronds. The rigid, leathery foliage features overlapping leaflets, creating a robust and textured appearance. This fern's architectural form and tolerance for drier conditions make it a remarkable choice for adding structure and visual interest to rock gardens, slopes, or woodland settings.
- Thrives in a sheltered spot and prefers partial or full shade
- Perfect for a shady corner of the garden or for underplanting trees and shrubs
- Brings colour, texture and year-round interest to cottage or woodland planting schemes, streams, ponds and water gardens
What to expect
Supplied as
Eventual spread
Habit
Hardiness
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, Rigid Shield Fern thrives in moist, shady pots.
How big does it get?
Rigid Shield Fern typically reaches a mature height of 60 cm and a spread of 60 cm.
How much sunlight does this need?
Rigid Shield Fern prefers a sheltered spot in partial to full shade.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Rigid Shield Fern prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil.
How much watering does this plant need?
Rigid Shield Fern requires regular watering to ensure the soil stays consistently moist, particularly when temperatures exceed 20°C.
Will this plant need pruning?
Rigid Shield Fern | Polystichum rigens does not require pruning. You can simply remove any tatty or dead fronds in late winter or early spring to make way for new growth.
How hardy is this plant?
Rigid Shield Fern is fully hardy (H6), tolerating temperatures down to -20°C. It thrives across the UK and requires no winter protection even in colder northern regions.
The wider garden
Hereford
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Our perennials start life in the rolling Herefordshire hills, where Jack and his team trial over 250 new varieties each year to bring you the best performing and most sustainable plants in the UK. With over forty years of excellence, it’s no surprise that they’ve won the HTA Plant Grower of the Year award two years running.
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