Photo of Polystichum luctuosum foliage, form by Sebright Gardens

Photo by Sebright Gardens

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Buy Polystichum luctuosum

Also Known As

  • Frosted Rock Fern
  • Morning Shield Fern

Plant type

fern

size

  • H: 1'-2'
  • W: 1'-2'

planting zones

  • 6a-8b

3/4 gallon pot-bare root | $14

USPS Priority Mail shipping rates

Fewer than 3 at Sebright Gardens

3.5" | $13

Ships USPS, based on weight/location

Fewer than 20 at Secret Garden Growers

More Options

Polystichum luctuosum plant details

Polystichum luctuosum is a moderate-growing evergreen fern with blue and green foliage. Features glossy texture. Grows well with mostly shade - shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Polystichum luctuosum

Plant type: fern
Plant family: dryopteridaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 1 FT - 2 FT - tall
Uses: award-winning, compact, container plant, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Polystichum luctuosum

USDA Zones: 6a - 8b
Sun exposure: mostly shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

We independently publish plant data to search multiple nurseries at once. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases when you buy through our links.

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Handsome, smallish, evergreen fern 12-18” tall and 18-24” wide; glossy silvered-green fronds with black veins in symmetrical rosettes; RHS Award of Merit 1997. Easy in well drained, humus rich soil in part to full shade; water when dry (don’t keep it wet!) Rock gardens, woodland, massed as ground cover, pots or even a house plant.
Frosted Rock Fern-Has evergreen foliage that can get 2' tall with broad foliage and rich deep green color.
Frosted rock fern (Polystichum luctuosum) resembles Korean rock fern but for the beautiful pewter-washed, grayish patina that adds a lustre to the delicately detailed yet sturdy fronds. Black, papery scales grace the stems. This species hails from the southern tip of Africa but shows good hardiness for temperate gardens.
Compact mound of greyish to olive green fronds arching yet stiff with attractive black veins. Plant in low sun to full shade & well drained, moist soil. Zones 7 to 9. Height: 20” to 30”. Evergreen.
Like the Korean Rock Fern but with a silver hue. Growth Rate slow

Gardening facts about Polystichum luctuosum plant

How to Grow Polystichum luctuosum

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly shade - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved