Japanese Holly Fern 'Rochfordianum' (Cyrtomium falcatum): Glossy Evergreen Fern

Overview

Japanese holly fern 'Rochfordianum' (Cyrtomium falcatum 'Rochfordianum') is a refined cultivar of the popular Japanese holly fern, selected for its particularly glossy, deep-green fronds with prominently toothed, holly-like pinnae. It is one of the most adaptable and widely grown evergreen ferns for temperate shade gardens.

Botanical Description

Fronds are simply pinnate, 40–60 cm long, erect-arching, with 10–20 pairs of pinnae. Pinnae are leathery, falcate (sickle-shaped), 8–12 cm long, with spiny margins and a prominent basal auricle. The cultivar 'Rochfordianum' is noted for its exceptionally dark, shiny foliage and compact habit. Sori are scattered on the underside, covered by peltate indusia.

Taxonomy

Family:	Dryopteridaceae
Genus:	Cyrtomium (sir-TOH-mee-um)
Species:	falcatum (fal-KAY-tum)
Cultivar:	'Rochfordianum'
Synonym:	Phanerophlebia falcatum

Growing Conditions

• Light: Part shade to full shade; tolerates more sun than most ferns if moist.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich; adaptable to average garden soil.
• Moisture: Regular water; moderately drought-tolerant once established.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 6–10; evergreen in mild winters, deciduous in cold.

Garden Uses

Excellent for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and under trees. Tolerates dry shade better than most ferns. Good in containers on shaded patios. Combines well with hostas, hellebores, and broad-leaved evergreens. Cut back old fronds in late winter.

Notes

RHS Award of Garden Merit. Naturalized in parts of the southeastern U.S. but not considered highly invasive. Deer resistant. The species is native to East Asia; 'Rochfordianum' originated at Rochford's Nursery in England.