Polystichum Christmas Fern
Polystichum Christmas Fern
Zone compatibility details
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Zone
3 - 9
Mature Height
24 in
Mature Width
18 in
Light
Part Shade, Shade
Water
Moist, well-drained, Wet
Soil
Normal, loamy
Description / Polystichum Christmas Fern
The last thing we might expect to encounter during a mid-winter walk in the woods is a fern, but the Christmas fern is a cold-hardy, evergreen native plant that keeps its fountainous shape and lovely color year-round. The Christmas fern presumably got its common name from its green appearance during the winter holidays, but another feature of the plant also suggests Santa. Look closely at the pinnae ("leaves") on each frond they are stocking shaped. Slowly growing to a height and width between 12 and 24 inches, the Christmas fern unfurls new crosiers (young fiddleheads) in spring. The long, finely cut fronds emerge silvery green but turn soft mid-green as they mature.
A Polystichum acrostichoides, commonly called Christmas fern, is a native perennial (Zones 3-9) to the eastern United States. In the wild it is often found in both dry and moist wooded areas and along moist stream banks, ravines, and bogs; but this tough plant can grow almost anywhere and is great for erosion control, even on dryish, rocky slopes. Unfortunately, wild Christmas fern populations are now endangered, but you can help ensure their survival by planting some in your own garden. And our nursery propagated plants are only commercially grown, never collected from the wild. The Christmas fern will not naturalize, but it does increase in size and beauty slowly over time. Christmas fern is a perfect companion for trilliums and Virginia bluebells.
This very low maintenance, dependable shade lover thrives in enriched, well-drained soil but is happy in average, moist soil. Christmas fern is not fussy and adapts well to less-than-ideal conditions, even tolerating drought conditions and resisting damage from deer. Just about its only enemy is crown rot, which can set in with poor drainage. It needs very little attention once it becomes established in the garden; however, watering it regularly, adding a layer of mulch, and cutting back fronds as they die out will keep this fern looking its best, especially if grown in a sunnier spot.
Plant Christmas fern roots in spring, setting them 18 inches apart at a depth of 1/2 inch.
Enhance your gardening experience with expert advice and the right tools. Visit our Hardy Fern Planting and Care Guide for tips on planting and maintenance and explore our wide selection of supplies to ensure your ferns thrive.
Product Details
SKU:
Genus:
Species:
Item Form:
Foliage Color: Medium Green
Habit:
Light Requirements: Part ShadeShade
Moisture Requirements:
State Shipping Restrictions: GU, PR, VI
*Does Not Qualify for Additional Discounts