Cyrtomium fortunei (Japanese Holly Fern): Evergreen Fern for Shade Gardens

Japanese holly fern (Cyrtomium fortunei) is a distinctive evergreen fern with leathery, 1.5–2 ft. upright fronds featuring broadly scythe-shaped leaflets. Native to moist, rocky woodlands in Asia, it's deciduous in colder climates but provides year-round structure where hardy. Excellent as an accent among groundcovers or in drifts with perennials and shrubs.

Culture & Care

• Soil: Moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained, neutral to acidic.
• Winter Protection: Where marginally hardy, plant in rock shelter and mulch crown with straw.
• Propagation: Sow spores in late summer; also from rooted bulbils at base.

Potential Issues

Fungal spots, root rot, scale insects.

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