How big does Japanese tassel fern grow?

About 50 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–60 cm × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Japanese tassel fern grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil.

Is Japanese tassel fern hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

How much water does Japanese tassel fern need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Japanese tassel fern

Polystichum polyblepharum

Japanese tassel fern (Polystichum polyblepharum) is a perennial that reaches 50 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €6.90.

Illustration of Japanese tassel fern — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Glossy, dark green, finely divided fronds form a neat vase-shaped clump that stays green through winter. In spring the tips of the unfurling fronds flip over backwards like tassels, which gives the plant its name. It belongs in shade or part shade in humus-rich soil that stays evenly moist but drains well, and looks best in small groups under trees or in a shady border.

Watch out for

The crown rots easily in poorly drained soil, especially in winter: plant it where water drains freely, with the crown slightly tilted so that water does not collect in it. Sources disagree on its hardiness; in Central Europe the fronds can brown in exposed places in hard frost without snow, so plant it out of the wind and cut tattered fronds off in spring. Fronds scorch in strong sun and prolonged drought.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 50 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Evergreen

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	50 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	30–60 cm × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	no data
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €6.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €6.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Perennials for part shade Evergreen plants Plants for containers Low-maintenance perennials

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