
Tassel Fern
Polystichum polyblepharum
Elegant arching fronds unfurl like golden tassels, bringing refined texture and evergreen beauty to shaded garden spaces.
Size
Installation
About this plant
The Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) is a sophisticated and highly prized evergreen fern, celebrated for its unique, glossy fronds that emerge in a distinctive shuttlecock shape before gracefully arching outward. Each new frond unfurls artfully, resembling a tassel, giving this plant its charming common name. Its dark green, finely divided foliage adds a lush, architectural element to woodland gardens, shaded borders, and container plantings. Adapting well to a variety of soil types, this fern is a low-maintenance superstar once established, providing year-round visual interest and a touch of refinement to any discerning landscape. Ideal for creating a serene, verdant understory, the Tassel Fern pairs beautifully with hostas, hellebores, and other shade-loving perennials, offering a consistent pop of deep green where other plants might falter in lower light conditions.
Care & maintenance
Easily grown in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Remove any damaged or old fronds as needed for aesthetics.
Quick facts
- Type
- perennial
- Mature height
- 1-2 feet
- Mature width
- 1-2 feet
- Sun
- Partial to Full Shade
- Water
- Medium
- Growth rate
- Slow to Medium