fortune's holly fern

Cyrtomium fortunei

FernPolypodiaceae

RHS AGM 1997

Deer-resistantRabbit-resistantEvergreen

USDA zones6 to 9

SunHandles full sun to full shade

WaterHandles dry to moderate soil

Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 18 inches wide

Habit: Erect
Bloom color: Non-flowering
Foliage color: Gold/yellow, gray/silver, green

Garden uses

BorderRock gardenShade gardenWoodland

Notes

Fortune's holly fern (Cyrtomium fortunei) is a fern for shade gardens, woodland settings, and borders. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to average soil. The leathery fronds have pinnae that look like holly leaves, and the plant stays evergreen. Deer and rabbits tend to pass it by. Snow cover helps it keep its leaves in colder spots.

Pairs well with Japanese forest grass, Coralbells, and Oakleaf hydrangea.

Native range

Asia.

More ferns by zone

Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9