Polystichum polyblepharum

This is one of our most reliable evergreen ferns, holding its shape beautifully through the seasons. The new fronds are a particular highlight in spring, unfurling with yellowish-green tips and covered in golden hairs. As they open, the tips curiously flip backwards, looking just like tassels before they flatten out.

It forms a graceful, vase-shaped clump, reaching about 0.6 metres tall and wide. Plant it in a spot with partial to full shade, in moist but well-drained soil that’s been improved with some good garden compost or leaf mould. It’s a tough plant we’ve kept on for years and has proven itself on our Thurning ground.

Once established, it needs very little attention. Just tidy up any tired or damaged fronds in early spring before the new growth appears. It’s perfect for underplanting shrubs and roses, or for adding texture to a shady corner of a courtyard garden.