Korean Rock Fern
Polystichum tsus-simense
Overview
The Korean Rock Fern, Polystichum tsus-simense, is an evergreen with arching, dark green fronds reaching up to 1-1.5 feet long. This shade-loving fern thrives in USDA zones 5-8, favoring well-drained, humus-rich soil. Its compact size and resistance to deer make it ideal for shady rock gardens, woodland settings, or borders. Adds textured ground cover, requiring minimal maintenance. Space plants approximately 18 inches apart to ensure full growth potential.
Sun Half, ShadeWater Extra in Summer, High, MediumZones 5–9Type FernClimate Temperate
Culture
- Sun
- Half, Shade
- Water
- Extra in Summer, High, Medium
- USDA zones
- 5–9
Shape & size
Classification
- Type
- Fern
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Climate
- Temperate
See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.
Start your 14-day trialPhotos (27)
























Photographs by 4 contributors
- David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Daderot, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- brewbooks, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Related plants

Fern
Alaska Fern
Polystichum Setiferum
Deep ShadeUSDA 6–8

Fern
Alpine Water Fern
Blechnum Penna-Marina
Deep ShadeUSDA 7–10

Fern
Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern
Dryopteris erythrosora
ShadeUSDA 4–10

Fern
Bird's Nest Fern
Asplenium Nidus
HalfUSDA 10–11

Fern
Blue Star Fern
Phlebodium Aureum
HalfUSDA 5–9

Fern
Brilliance Autumn Fern
Dryopteris Erythrosora 'Brilliance'
HalfUSDA 5–9