Holly Fern

Holly Fern  (Cyrtomium)

Holly Ferns (Cyrtomium) are evergreen clump forming ferns with foliage you rarely see in ferns. Often the plant is not recognized as being a fern. The foliage looks like that of Holly. Most Holly Ferns are not fully hardy bur there are a few species that will withstand frost. These are the species Cyrtomium falcatum (Japanese Holly Fern) and Cyrtomium fortunei (Hardy Japanese Holly Fern). To be safe it is still better to give them a bit of protection against cold north-easterly winds to prevent damage to the leaves. Holly Fern likes half shade and will grow in all soils. Nice partners for Holly Fern are Yellow Waxbells (Kirengeshoma) and Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa).