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Polystichum polyblepharum
Korean Tassel Fern
Item #: 1266
Zones: 5b to 9b, at least
Dormancy: Evergreen
Height: 18" tall
Origin: Japan, Korea
Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)
Polystichum polyblepharum is probably the most attractive fern we grow, so why is it so hard to describe? The dark, evergreen, plasticillate (made that one up) foliage arches out from a central crown, forming a 2' wide, deer-resistant clump. Each frond is a lacily-cut artistic masterpiece...this sounds pretty syrupy, doesn't it? Actually, the species name "polyblepharum" means "many eyelashes"...does that help? How about saying: "Korean tassel fern is just one of the best damn ferns you will ever buy!"
Maintenance:
Tassel Fern requires no maintenance in the garden in terms of cutbacks or divisions. Clumps can thrive for decades with no care as long as they are planted in the right conditions.
Growing Conditions:
Polystichum polyblepharum prefers a rich, compost enhanced soil, although it will grow fine in less than ideal conditions. It is not particular about moisture, and will tolerate a fairly dry site. It will not, however, tolerate sites with waterlogged soils.
Tassel fern is a shade plant that thrives in both full and light shade, but does not have any tolerance for exposure to full sun.
Garden Value:
Tassel fern provides a wonderful textural contrast to bolder textured woodland perennials, and looks great all winter long.
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Other Attributes
Genus: Polystichum
Leaf Color: Green
Container Role: Fillers
Garden Themes: Cottage Garden Plants , Living Wall
Other: Deer Resistant Plants , Dry Shade Plants , Groundcovers , Plants from Japan , Rabbit Resistant Plants , RHS Award of Merit Winners