Hedge Fern

How to grow Hedge Fern

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

Plant in spring or autumn in shade, on a slight mound or on ground that drains freely — this fern dislikes sitting wet at the crown far more than it dislikes dryness. Set the crown proud of the soil and mulch around but not over it.

Pruning

Semi-evergreen, holding reasonable fronds through much of the winter. Cut the old fronds off at the base in late winter as the new croziers appear, which are attractively covered in pale scales as they unroll.

Propagation

Division in spring. Some forms produce small plantlets along the frond midrib which can be pegged onto compost to root — a slow but reliable method for the divisilobum group.

Pests and diseases

Few problems. Vine weevil in containers, and crown rot on heavy soil that stays wet in winter.

Value to wildlife

Provides winter ground cover and shelter in shaded borders.

Notes

One of the more elegant native ferns, with soft, finely divided, slightly arching fronds. Numerous cultivars exist with very finely dissected fronds; all are grown the same way and all need the same good drainage.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Polystichum setiferum but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

Others in Polystichum