Common name: Soft Shield FernLatin Name: Polystichum setiferum Dahlem Soil: Any moist but well-drained Position: Full shade or partial shade Hardiness: Hardy Eventual height/spread: 0.8m/0.6mSpecial feature: Fronds that are more upright than most in the speciesThe ‘Dahlem’ is a great choice for structural planting as the fronds are more upright than most others, making this a majestic garden feature. The fronds are divided into fresh, bright green pinnae that add a real splash of colour. This soft shield fern is an evergreen so it’s perfect for brightening up a shady border all year round. This is a simple, yet very elegant, variety and it works really well as part of a naturalistic planting scheme or a woodland style garden. Plant it alongside a darker fern, like the Dryopteris ‘Lepidota Cristata’, for contrasting colours and textures.