Overwintering guide
How to overwinter prickly shield fern
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills prickly shield fern in winter
Cutting prickly shield fern hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More prickly shield fern care
Overwintering prickly shield fern — FAQ
Does prickly shield fern need to come indoors for winter?
Prickly Shield Fern is hardy to roughly USDA zone 7 — winter lows around -18°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Prickly Shield Fern is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move prickly shield fern for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water prickly shield fern in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills prickly shield fern over winter?
Cutting prickly shield fern hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.