Shaggy shield fern

Shaggy shield fern: how do you recognise it?

Habit

Compact crown about 60 cm tall and wide, with upright to arching fronds.

Fronds

Sturdy, leathery and glossy fresh green, pinnate with toothed leaflets; stay green in mild winters.

Stalks

Densely covered with black to dark brown scales, hence the ‘shaggy’ name.

Young fronds

Unroll in spring as a crozier, covered in dark scales.

Reproduction

No flowers or seed: the fern reproduces by spores under the fronds.

Plants: March–May and September–October · Pruning: March

Why grow it?

• Fresh green, leathery foliage on black, scaly stalks that looks good all year.
• Stays green in mild winters and gives structure when other plants have disappeared.
• Compact, tidy habit: stays a nice crown and does not run.
• Suits small shady gardens, borders under trees and large pots.
• Little work: one tidy-up of old fronds a year.

Shaggy shield fern: where does it grow best?

• Half shade to light shade; no strong sun, which scorches the foliage.
• Humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil: sand, loam or clay, acid to neutral.
• Evenly moist soil is ideal; it does not tolerate long drought or wet feet.
• Shelter it from dry, cold wind. Allow 50–60 cm between plants.

Light

Partial shade and shade

Soil type

Sand, loam or clay

Acidity

Acid or neutral

Moisture

Normal

Size

0.6 m tall, 0.6 m wide

Hardiness

Hardy (to -25 °C)

Goes well with

• Hosta: Big, leafy neighbours in the same shade.
• Hellebore: Flowers in winter among the evergreen foliage.
• Barrenwort: A low ground cover with dainty flowers for shade.
• Hakone grass: A rippling, yellow-green grass for light shade.

Shaggy shield fern: when and how to plant it?

Plant in March–May and September–October.

1. Plant in March–May or in September–October, when the soil is not frozen.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and mix in plenty of leaf mould.
3. Set the fern at the same depth as in its pot, with the crown level with the soil surface. Do not bury the crown.
4. Plant 50–60 cm apart or one per pot of at least 30 cm across, with potting compost and a drainage hole.
5. Water thoroughly straight away and keep the soil moist during the first year.
6. Spread a layer of leaf mould around the plant and keep the crown free.

Care

Water

Keep the soil evenly moist; in dry summers water generously and regularly, especially in a pot.

Feeding

In spring a layer of leaf mould or organic fertiliser; no more is needed.

Mulching

A layer of leaf mould in spring keeps the soil cool and moist.

Tidying old fronds

In late winter cut off the old, damaged fronds before the new ones unroll.

Repotting

Refresh a pot every 3–4 years, in spring, with fresh humus-rich potting compost.

Tip: Give it a sheltered spot in moist, humus-rich soil. Only cut away the old foliage in spring, before the new fronds unroll.

Shaggy shield fern: when to prune it?

Pruning months: March.

When: From late February to March, before the new, rolled-up fronds appear.

How:

• Cut the old, brown or damaged fronds off at the base.
• Leave healthy, green fronds; they protect the crown.
• Wear gloves: the scales on the stalks can irritate.
• While tidying, also remove dead fronds from the heart of the crown.

Caution: Do not cut off new, rolled-up fronds: they are very fragile.

Pruning: when and how · Pruning calendar and basic rules

Propagation

Division

In spring carefully divide a crown if it has side crowns; replant each rooted piece straight away and water.

Spores

In late summer collect ripe spores and scatter them on moist, sterile compost under glass or plastic. This takes months and the young plants grow slowly.

Shaggy shield fern: how does it get through the winter?

Hardy to −25 °C.

• Hardy to about −25 °C: in Belgian winters you usually need no protection.
• The foliage stays green in mild winters and may turn brown in severe frost; lay leaves around the crown as protection.
• In a pot: place it against a wall, wrap the pot in hessian and keep the compost slightly moist.

Diseases and pests

• Brown, dried frond edges: Too dry or too much wind or sun. Water generously, mulch and choose a sheltered, shady spot.
• Slugs: Eat young, rolled-up fronds in spring. Collect them or lay a barrier of sharp sand.
• Crown rot: The crown goes soft and brown in wet soil. Ensure good drainage and do not plant the crown too deep.
• Yellowing fronds: Too much sun, drought or a lack of nutrients. Give more shade, water and leaf mould.

Through the year

• March: Tidy old foliage. Plant. Add compost.
• April: Plant. Mulch. New fronds unroll.
• May: Plant. Keep an eye out for slugs.
• June: Water in dry spells.
• July: Water pots and in dry spells.
• August: Water. Collect spores if wanted.
• September: Plant.
• October: Plant. Leave leaves around the crown.
• December: Rest. Leave green foliage.

Did you know?

• The genus name Dryopteris literally means ‘oak fern’ (Greek: drys = oak, pteris = fern).
• The species name cycadina refers to cycads, the ‘palm-like’ plants whose sturdy, glossy foliage the plant resembles.
• Ferns have no flowers or seeds: they spread by spores that ripen under the fronds.