Tassel Fern

Polystichum polyblepharum

Nature Hills Nursery

Watch Fiddleheads Flip Backwards into Tassel-Like Tassels as They Unfurl Each Spring
Thrives in Zones 6-8
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Ideal for Foundation Planting in Asian Gardens

$16⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Tassel Ferns thrive in dappled light or full shade, ideally receiving less than 2 hours of soft morning sun. Too much direct light will bleach the fronds from deep forest green to a sickly yellow, so prioritize locations with consistent overhead cover.
Soil: These ferns crave rich, woodland soil that is high in organic matter and stays consistently moist but never swampy. If you have heavy clay, mix in several inches of compost or leaf mold to improve drainage; for sandy soil, add peat moss to help the ground hold onto moisture like a sponge.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water twice a week to ensure the root ball never completely dries out while it establishes. Once mature, the Tassel Fern is surprisingly resilient to brief dry spells, but inconsistent moisture will cause the tips of the "tassels" to turn brown and crispy. Aim to keep the soil feeling like a wrung out sponge to maintain the lush, glossy texture of the foliage.

Pruning Tips

This evergreen fern produces new growth from the center of the crown in early spring, meaning you should only prune away old, tattered fronds from the previous year. Wait until you see the new "fiddleheads" begin to unfurl before cutting the old stems back to the ground. This timing ensures the plant has a protective layer during winter while clearing the way for fresh growth to shine without being hidden by debris.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer or a layer of rich compost around the base of the plant in early spring just as new growth appears. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages tender new growth that can be easily killed by the first frost. Stick to organic options that mimic the natural decomposition of a forest floor for the healthiest results.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 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

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Evergreen, Deer-resistant, Low Maintenance, Drought resistant, Groundcover
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Loamy, Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Foliage Color	Green
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Fern
Botanical Name	Polystichum polyblepharum
Species	polyblepharum
Class	Polypodiopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Dramatically tall and sturdy fronds in a traditional symmetrical form and shape! The Tassel Fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) is a picture-perfect Fern! The strapping foliage and lush olive-green fronds, coupled with the uniform appearance of this Fern are an amazingly lush groundcover.

The lance-shaped leaves and fine golden hairs that cover these dark-green fronds give the entire plant a whimsical, woodland garden glen feel! With a stand-out profile and a soothing presence in the garden, the Tassel Fern has golden brown stems and a slightly fuzzy appearance. The finely-toothed blades and overlapping pinnae leaves are further divided into smaller leaflets, giving each frond a lacy look!

Forming a gorgeous upright vase shape, these slower-growing Ferns are amazing to watch as the hairy fiddleheads unfurl. Creating a lush and soothing demeanor that commands the dappled shade throughout USDA planting zones 5 to 8, these two-foot tall and wide perennial Ferns are highly adaptable!

Planting and Application:

Happily rambling en masse through your wooded edges and under the wide arms of large trees and shrubs. Tassel Fern are amazing understory plants that fill your shade beds and borders with powerful green height and width, without over-taking their companion plantings.

Stoutly anchoring dim corners or as a specimen plant, Tassel Fern will be a verdant center of attention! Plant as an accent around your water feature or Rain Gardens where it can soak up the moisture!

Looking both ornate and primordial, this modest Fern is a phenomenal backdrop for shade perennials. Sized wonderfully for shaded window boxes and containers as a filler, backdrop, and spiller.

Add serenity to screened patios and porches, and shady sides of your home or outdoor structures. Shaded balconies and gazebos receive a designer's touch with these skirting around the perimeter.

Just the finishing touch you need for soft fringing around the shaded trunks of large trees and shrubs, Tassel Fern will bask in their welcome shade while acting as a facer plant to hide those bare stems.

Easily holding back soil as erosion control on shady slopes, Tassel Fern carpets areas in lush greenery and its hardy nature is suitable for Rock Gardens and defining borders.

Symmetrical, Sturdy Finely-Divided Fronds
Deep Olive-Green Luxurious Color
Golden-Brown Fuzz & Hairs Add Texture
Uniform Vase-Shaped Form & Thick Growing, Textural Foliage
Lush Groundcover & Erosion Control

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Tassel Fern, like most Fern, does need part shade to full shade locations. Afternoon shade especially when in the warmer of its growing zones 6 through 8.

Be sure to water regularly and keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the heat. However, Ferns are very tolerant of humidity. Happy as long as they are in well-drained soils. Add Nature Hills Root Booster during planting, because the symbiotic ingredients work non-stop over the life of the plant.

Requiring consistently moist soil, even tolerating soggy soil, Ferns do well as long as the soil drains well and doesn't have long-term standing water. Preferring it on the acidic side and organically rich and humusy.

Once established, Tassel Ferns are partly drought tolerant, but for best results and health, be sure to provide supplemental watering in times of drought. A generous layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture as well as insulate the root system from heat and chill. These evergreen Ferns clumps may be divided in spring, but this is seldom required. Though enjoying to spread, they're easily controlled and cared for.

Prune only if needed in late winter or early spring, and be sure to remove dead fronds each fall to eliminate hiding spots for slugs. Deer and rabbits generally leave Tassel Fern alone!

Full Shade & Part Shade
Loves Wet Sites & Moisture
Well-Drained Soil & Acid-Soil Tolerant
Deer & Rabbit Resistant
Easy Care & Low Maintenance

Lustrous character and shade-loving greenery, add the robust, luxurious texture and color for a soothing garden retreat with Ferns like Tassel Fern! You'll enjoy its robust, hardy benefits year-round! Order yours from Nature Hills Nursery today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How big does Tassel Fern get at maturity?

Tassel Fern reaches 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide at maturity. This slower-growing perennial forms an upright vase shape in USDA zones 5-8. Give it adequate space to showcase its dramatic symmetrical form in shade gardens.

How often should I water Tassel Fern, and how much?

Tassel Ferns thrive with consistent moisture but not waterlogged soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically 2-3 times weekly in zones 5-8. They love extra moisture around water features and rain gardens. Keep soil evenly moist for best results with these shade perennials available at naturehills.com.

Is Tassel Fern evergreen or deciduous?

Tassel Fern is semi-evergreen, retaining its fronds through winter in zones 5-8 but may die back in colder temperatures. The sturdy olive-green fronds typically stay attractive through mild winters. In harsh winter areas, cut back any damaged fronds in early spring before new fiddleheads emerge.

How do I care for Tassel Fern after planting, including fertilizer?

Tassel Fern thrives with minimal care in zones 5-8, preferring consistent moisture and dappled shade. These slow-growing perennials rarely need fertilizer in rich, organic soil. Water regularly during dry spells and apply compost annually in spring for best results.

Does Tassel Fern tolerate deer, rabbits, or pests?

Tassel Fern is naturally deer and rabbit resistant due to its texture and compounds. Most common garden pests avoid ferns, making this a reliable choice for zones 5-8 gardens. Plant in shaded areas where deer browse heavily for best protection.

How is Tassel Fern shipped—bare root, potted, or bundled?

Tassel Fern typically ships as potted plants, which helps protect the delicate root system and ensures better establishment. The containerized plants arrive ready to transplant into your shade garden in zones 5-8. Plant immediately upon arrival for best results.

Tassel Fern

Polystichum polyblepharum