holly fern
Cyrtomium falcatum
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones6 to 10
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral, alkaline
Garden uses
Notes
Holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) is a fern for borders, containers, and shade gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist soil of most types. It forms a slow growing clump of evergreen green fronds, 12 to 24 inches tall. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal. It also tolerates drought and salt.
Pairs well with First Frost hosta, Japanese forest grass, White bigleaf hydrangea, and Hinoki cypress.
Native range
Asia.