Polystichum polyblepharum (Japanese Tassel Fern)

Award-winning Polystichum polyblepharum (Japanese Tassel Fern) is an elegant evergreen fern forming a shuttlecock of spreading, lance-shaped, exceptionally lustrous, dark green fronds with finely divided but overlapping pinnae. The new fronds are covered in golden hairs as they unfurl in spring. Interestingly, as the fiddleheads unfurl, they flip backward for a little while and resemble a tassel, hence the common name. The stipes (stems) are covered in silver scales which contrast with the dark green of the pinnae. Forming a broad, symmetrical, vase-shaped evergreen plant, the Japanese Tassel Fern remains lush and fresh-looking all-year round. Easy to grow, it is perfect for the shady mixed border where it will display its beautiful arching form to its best advantage. As a bonus, it is great in flower arrangements.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
• Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 3 ft. wide (90 cm).
• A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils. Protect crowns from excessive winter wet.
• This plant is a great choice for shady beds and borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage gardens, rock gardens, woodland gardens, or containers.
• Virtually pest and disease free. Keep an out for gray mold (botrytis) or the fungal disease Taphrina wettsteiniana. Deer and rabbit resistant.
• Remove dead fronds before new ones unfurl.
• Propagate by spores, sow spores at 59-61°F (15-16°C) when ripe; divide rhizomes in spring or detach fronds bearing bulbils in autumn
• Native to Japan, southern Korea.