Photo: harum.koh from Kobe city, Japan, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
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Pruning guide · Fern
Japanese tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum): when and how to prune
Polystichum polyblepharum
Japanese tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Japanese tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum): when to prune it?
In March, before the new croziers unfurl. Otherwise this fern needs no pruning.
What else to prune in those months? March
Japanese tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum): how to prune it?
- Cut the old fronds off just above the crown, even if they are still green: the tassels of the new fronds will then show off well.
- After a mild winter you can also just remove the brown and damaged fronds.
- Work carefully around the scaly croziers in the centre.
- Brown or damaged fronds can be removed now and then during the summer.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Don’t cut more than you need to: what stays standing gives insects and birds food and shelter.
Caution: Do not wait too long: once the new fronds are out, it is easy to cut them off by mistake.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
- Hard shield fern
- Korean rock fern (Polystichum tsus-simense)
- Soft shield fern
- Western sword fern (Polystichum munitum)
Plant profile: Japanese tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.