Polystichum braunii

Braun's holly fern

£9.95

Polystichum braunii, or Braun’s holly fern, is a hardy, semi-evergreen fern with arching, deep green fronds and a distinctive lacy texture. Growing 50-100cm tall, it thrives in moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade. Ideal for woodland gardens, shady borders, and damp areas, it adds year-round texture and structure.

Item code:
PBR-3
Pot size:
2-3Ltr pot
£9.95
Origin: Native to temperate forests across North America, Europe, and Asia
Genus: Polystichum
Species / Cultivar: braunii
Common Name: Braun's holly fern
Synonym: Aspidium braunii

Plant Biography

Polystichum braunii, commonly known as Braun’s holly fern, is a hardy, semi-evergreen fern native to temperate forests across North America, Europe, and Asia. It was named after German botanist Alexander Braun (1805–1877), who contributed significantly to plant morphology studies.

This species belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family and thrives in cool, shaded woodlands with moist, well-draining soil. Its distinctive, finely divided fronds and robust nature have made it a popular choice for shade gardens. Valued for its resilience and ornamental appeal, Polystichum braunii remains a key species in fern collections and naturalistic landscape designs worldwide.

Polystichum braunii
Soil: Moisture Retaining
Soil that drains at a slower rate due to higher organic matter content.
Growth Rate: Medium
Expect to see moderate growth during growing season.
Water Requirement: Medium
Once it is established, this plant is likely to only require watering during drier periods.
Maintenance: Low
Minimal skill or input needed beyond the basics, a very independent plant.
Situation: Part Shade to Full Shade
Can enjoy several hours of direct sunlight, but also happy in full shade.
Eventual Height: 0.5-1m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 0.5-1m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Hardy
Survives unprotected in an average winter. May need protection in extreme long frosts.
Habit: Evergreen
Always in leaf throughout the year. It won't lose all its leaves at any one time.
Lifecycle: Perennial
This plant is persistant and does not die off after flowering. It will return each season indefinitely, if provided with suitable growing conditions.
Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

Polystichum braunii, or Braun’s holly fern, grows 50-100cm tall and wide, forming a lush, arching clump of finely divided, deep green fronds. It thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil. Regular watering is essential, especially in dry periods, though it tolerates occasional drought. Hardy to around -30°C, it is ideal for woodland gardens, shady borders, and damp areas.

Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to maintain a tidy appearance. This low-maintenance, deer-resistant fern provides year-round texture and structure, enhancing naturalistic and shade garden landscapes with its elegant foliage.

1 customer review for Polystichum braunii

I’ve not bought anything from The Palm Centre before so I was apprehensive. My ferns arrived quickly and in excellent condition. They were also grown to a good size to be planted out. Thank you

jo M.