Species tassel fern

tassel fern

Polystichum polyblepharum

The Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) is a beautiful species of fern native to moist, shady areas of the Northern Hemisphere. It has delicate fronds that are cut into thin, ribbon-like segments, each one topped with a distinct, soft, feathery tassel. The crown of the plant is clothed by old brown scales. It grows to a height of 18-24 inches and looks like a tasseled shag carpet. This plant prefers semi-shade and slightly acidic soil for best growth. It is also quite easy to propagate and makes the perfect choice for areas where you require a low maintenance plant.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Spore Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

No flowers Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Soil:

Acidic, Humus rich, Well-drained

Fruits:

brown,black Fruits In Summer Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Tassel Ferns (Polystichum polyblepharum) do not need a lot of water, and should only be watered when their soil is visibly dry. When watering, always do so thoroughly, ensuring that plenty of water reaches deep into the soil. Do not leave the soil wet or soggy, as too much water can be just as detrimental as not enough. Tassel Ferns should be watered once every 1-2 weeks during the growing season, and only about once a month during the winter months.

sunlight

Tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) plants thrive with bright indirect light and require up to 4 hours of direct light per day. When planted indoors, it should be located near a south or east facing window to get the maximum amount of sunlight. While direct sun may create too much heat and dry out the soil, a few hours daily are beneficial. When outdoors, tassel fern can handle more direct sunlight, but should be protected from any harsh afternoon sun in the summer months. This allows the plant to have adequate daily sunlight during the morning and early afternoon and cooling shade/light throughout the rest of the day.

pruning

Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) should generally be pruned at least once per year in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done using a pair of sharp gardening shears and should remove any dead or damaged fronds. If the frond is still alive, it can be pruned at the base where it meets the soil. Once the pruning is complete, the remaining fronds should be lightly sprayed with a fungicide and mild detergent. It is important to remember that tassel ferns do not typically respond well to overly aggressive pruning, so it is advisable to prune carefully and not remove more than 1/3 of the plant’s total foliage.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Polystichum polyblepharum (tassel fern) typically begins in June and ends in August.

Hardiness Map