Shield, Holly and Male Fern – Hardy Fern Mix (Set of 3 or 6)

A ready made mix of three hardy garden ferns, chosen to bring shape and texture to a shady corner.

The shield fern is a British native with soft, dark green fronds that unfurl slowly as they open. The holly fern comes from eastern Asia and is happy either outdoors or grown as a house plant in a bright room. The male fern is the classic woodland fern, throwing up strong fronds from underground rhizomes; it dies back in autumn and returns the following year.

Planted together they give a border, a courtyard or a large container an architectural, almost tropical look. Grow them in shade with soil that does not dry out, and they will settle quickly and get better every year.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Shield fern, holly fern and male fern
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Varies with the fern. All three make clump forming rosettes of fronds.
• Growth Habit: Clump forming, with arching to upright fronds
• Perfect For: Shaded borders, woodland planting, courtyards and containers
• Foliage: Green fronds, from soft and finely cut to glossy and holly like
• Flowering Time: None. Ferns carry no flowers and spread by spores.
• Planting Position: Partial shade to full shade, sheltered from wind in soil that stays moist. Grows well in a container. Indoors, a bright spot out of direct sun.
• Soil Type: Moist, humus rich soil that drains freely. Dig in leaf mould or garden compost when planting.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy. It comes through a British winter outdoors without protection.
• Maintenance: Low. Cut away old or tired fronds in early spring before the new ones unfurl, and mulch in spring to hold moisture in.
• Seasonal Interest: Summer.
• Type: Hardy garden ferns, with one that also grows indoors