Polystichum polyblepharum 13cm

Polystichum polyblepharum (Japanese Tassel Fern)

An exceptionally elegant fern, and one that earns its keep every day of the year. New fronds unfurl in spring flipped backwards in an unusual, tassel-like curl — the source of its common name — before straightening out into lustrous, glossy dark green fronds with a lacy, finely divided texture. The unfurling croziers, covered in fine golden hairs, are a genuine highlight of the spring garden, and the fronds look particularly striking rimmed with frost in winter.

Fully evergreen, it forms a broad, symmetrical, shuttlecock-shaped clump that stays lush and fresh-looking through every season. Its RHS Award of Garden Merit reflects a plant that's both beautiful and reliably easy to grow, making it a superb choice for shady mixed borders, woodland planting, or underplanting with early spring bulbs and low ground-cover perennials such as brunnera. Non-toxic to pets, it's a safe choice for gardens shared with cats and dogs.

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade, in a sheltered spot. Protect the crown from excessive winter wet, and apply a mulch around the base to stop it drying out. It's more tolerant of dry, sandy soils than many ferns once established. Simply remove any damaged fronds to let fresh growth take over. Reaching around 60–90cm (2–3ft) in height with a spread of up to 90cm (3ft), and fully hardy throughout the UK, it's a striking, low-maintenance addition to any shaded planting scheme.

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