Polystichum setiferum gives a shaded garden a generous layer of foliage that lasts beyond summer. Its long green fronds spread from a central crown, with finely cut leaflets creating the soft texture behind its common name, soft shield fern. Orange-brown scales add detail along the stalks.

Make room for it beneath taller shrubs, where the fronds can extend into the space below their branches. It also suits a leafy border viewed from indoors: combine it with contrasting leaf shapes so there is plenty to enjoy even when little is flowering.

This fern grows naturally in Britain and develops into a substantial plant over time. Its evergreen habit makes it useful alongside deciduous ferns, helping the planting retain greenery while neighbouring plants are dormant.