Japanese Tassel Fern

Name: Japanese Tassel Fern
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
Price: 160.76 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Polystichum polyblepharum

Nature Hills Nursery

$160⁷⁶

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This fern thrives in full to partial shade, ideally receiving less than 2 hours of direct morning sun. Deep shade is perfectly acceptable, though growth may be slightly slower than in filtered light.
Soil: Aim for rich, woodland soil that stays consistently moist but not swampy. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost or leaf mold to improve drainage so the crown does not rot during winter.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Japanese Tassel Fern twice a week to ensure the soil stays damp while the root system settles. Once established, it can handle brief periods of dry weather, but inconsistent moisture often leads to crispy, brown frond tips. Think of the soil like a wrung-out sponge; it should always feel cool and slightly damp to the touch.

Pruning Tips

Since this fern is evergreen in many climates, it produces new growth from the center on "new wood" each spring. The best time to prune is late winter or very early spring before the new "fiddleheads" begin to unfurl. Simply cut the old, tattered fronds from the previous year back to the ground to make room for fresh foliage and prevent pests from overwintering in the debris.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer or a layer of rich compost in early spring as new growth appears. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this forces tender new growth that cannot harden off before the first frost. A single application in spring provides all the energy the plant needs to maintain its glossy, dark green luster throughout the season.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Gorgeous symmetrical greenery, A fantastic addition to the landscape! Growing perfectly symmetrical in leaf and form it's difficult to imagine why the incredible Japanese Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) isn't a part of every landscape! The dark-green fronds are highly ornate, with pointed leaves and leaflets. Their leathery fronds and perfectly divided toothy edges create an elegant appearance!

The glossy, leathery foliage forms perfect vase-shaped clumps that cascade one leaf over the next in symmetrical perfection! The arching fronds are highlighted by a chocolate brown stem as each new fiddlehead unfurls from the center of the plant.

These award-winning easy-to-grow Ferns are pest and problem-free! Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 5 to 8, these lovely perennial to evergreen Ferns grow about 2 feet in height and width, these are ideal for small spaces.

Planting and Application:

Use Japanese Tassel Fern as a glorious specimen and focal point plant by placing it in a prominent, shade garden location. Plant in your favorite urn in a position of distinction to further highlight its beauty! Container and balcony gardeners will benefit greatly from this fantastic plant, regardless of how much room you have to work with!

Perfect specimen plants and incredible low-growing facer plants, we're sure you'll find they enhance any part of your garden that you tuck them into! Not minding sharing the spotlight, plant this modestly sized plant among mixed borders or Perennial beds that are basked in dappled shade. Or create a mixed Fern specimen planting by incorporating this lovely accent among its other vase-shaped Fern cousins!

For a formal, structured touch to Asian-inspired and Zen gardens, woodland gardens, both Rain and Rock Gardens, or as shaded edging along your favorite paths and driveway, the evergreen nature of this plant will add year-round interest if you live in a climate with mild winters.

Small enough for container gardening and as lacy fringe around a feature plant as a colorful skirt, filler, and spillers! Plant a few of these stellar Ferns in your potted accents on porches, patios, and balconies.

Award-Winning Fern!
Gorgeous Symmetrical Fronds - Pointed Leaves & Leaflets
Glossy Incised Double Compound Foliage
Dark Green With Chocolate Brown Mid-Rib
Elegant Fountain of Vase-Shaped Growth
Fantastic Shade Specimens, Edging, Accents & Container Plants

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Hardy in USDA growing zones of 5 through 8, this perennial Fern can be evergreen in areas with mild winters. Growing 18-24 inches tall and wide, Tassel Ferns enjoys partial to full shade, with a preference for afternoon shade from the hot sun and full shade in hot climates. They will appreciate the drying power of the morning sun.

Choose a highly organically rich, moist, and fertile location in well-drained soil. Best in consistently moist soil, while establishing, and afterward water weekly to ensure lush, full growth. A generous layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture as well as insulate the root system from heat and chill.

Prune this Fern, or clean up dead debris or old fronds in early spring before the new fiddleheads unfurl. Otherwise, these are easily grown, low-maintenance plants that are deer, rabbit, pest, and disease-free! Divide every 3-5 years to keep the clumps growing vigorously.

Part Shade & Full Shade
Slightly Acidic Well-Drained Soil
Consistently Moist Soil
Evergreen in Mild Winters
Easy Care & Low Maintenance - Deer, Rabbit & Pest Free

Get fine-textured shade garden beauty by ordering your own verdant perfection for your landscape today from NatureHills.com! Start enjoying the elegant beauty the Japanese Tassel Fern brings to any environment!

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Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size and spread of Japanese Tassel Fern?

Japanese Tassel Fern grows to about 2 feet in both height and width at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for small spaces, containers, and tight garden spots. Plant it as a specimen or use multiple ferns for border edging in zones 5-8.

What type of soil does Japanese Tassel Fern prefer, and what pH range?

Japanese Tassel Fern thrives in well-draining, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5-7.0. It prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged conditions. Amend heavy clay with organic matter for best results in zones 5-8, available at naturehills.com.

How often should I water Japanese Tassel Fern, and how moist should the soil stay?

Japanese Tassel Fern prefers consistently moist but well-draining soil. Water regularly during dry spells, checking that soil stays evenly moist about 1-2 inches down. Avoid waterlogged conditions which can cause root rot in zones 5-8.

How far apart should I space Japanese Tassel Fern plants when planting?

Space Japanese Tassel Fern plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for their mature spread. Since they grow about 2 feet wide with vase-shaped clumps, this spacing prevents overcrowding while creating a lush appearance. Plant closer for quicker coverage or wider apart to showcase each fern's symmetrical form.

Is Japanese Tassel Fern deer resistant?

Japanese Tassel Fern is naturally deer resistant due to its leathery texture and fern characteristics that deer typically avoid. This pest-free perennial thrives in zones 5-8, growing 2 feet tall in shaded areas. Plant it confidently in woodland gardens or mixed borders available at naturehills.com.

What are the winter care requirements for Japanese Tassel Fern, like mulching or protection?

Japanese Tassel Fern is evergreen in USDA zones 5-8 and requires minimal winter care. In colder areas of its range, apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base after the first frost to protect the crown and roots from freeze-thaw cycles.

Is Japanese Tassel Fern safe for pets and kids, or is it toxic?

Japanese Tassel Fern is generally considered safe for pets and children, with no known toxicity issues. This pest and problem-free perennial is a worry-free choice for family gardens in zones 5-8. Always supervise young children around any plant and consult your vet if pets consume large quantities.

Does Japanese Tassel Fern need fertilizer, and what kind?

Japanese Tassel Fern thrives without heavy feeding, as these problem-free perennials are naturally low-maintenance. A light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring will support healthy frond development. In zones 5-8, focus on organic compost worked into the soil rather than frequent fertilizing.