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Wollaston's Proliferous Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum 'Proliferum Wollastonii')
Wollaston's Proliferous Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum 'Proliferum Wollastonii')
A lovely, lacy selection of P. setiferum with a triangular blade and slightly overlapping pinnae, though slightly more open than plumosum types and not as finely divided as divisilobum types. The leaflets on the margins of the fronds are larger and overlap more than the segments proximal to the stipe, giving the appearance of crests without the forking. The overall appearance is somewhat reminiscent but denser than a particular cultivar of Male Fern, Dryopteris affinis ‘Cristata Jackson’, though this a shield fern in the genus Polystichum rather than a Dryopteris. As with other cultivars of P. setiferum it makes a wonderful addition to the woodland and border gardens and tolerates slightly dryish shade. Avoid excessive overhead moisture during the growing season as the overlapping segments on the fronds can trap moisture and be susceptible to frond rot.
Frond Condition: Evergreen, developing Proliferous Bulbils (baby ferns) along the stipe
Root type: Central Crown or Caudex, Clumping
Origin: United Kingdom and Europe
Mature size: 2’, upright to slightly arching fronds
Cultural Requirements: Part Sun to Full Shade, Moist to Slightly Dryish
USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8
