Polystichum acrostichoides
$28.99
A clumping evergreen fern with arching dark green fronds that brings year-round texture to shady woodland gardens.
- Description
- Additional information
Description
Christmas Fern forms slowly expanding clumps of arching, leathery fronds, each divided into pairs of narrow, mid- to dark-green leaflets. Its sterile fronds remain green through winter, while new fronds unfurl in spring. Plant it in full or partial shade in cool, humus-rich soil that stays moist but drains well. Repeated clumps work beneath shrubs or across shaded slopes, where their low cover can help hold soil.
Additional information
| Height | 2 ft – 3 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 2 ft – 3 ft |
| Synonyms | Christmas Fern, Nephrodium acrostichoides, Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas Fern |
| Family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Hazardous | unknown |
| Variegated | unknown |
| Aspect | East, West, North |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Habit | Clump-former |
| Moisture | Moist but Well Drained |
| Ph | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Position | Full shade, Partial shade |
| Shape | Mound-forming, Arching |
| Suggest planting location | Banks and slopes, Woodland Garden, Shade Garden, Patio and container use, Underplanting for roses and shrubs |
| Type | Fern |
| Use for | Underplanting, Low maintenance, Erosion Control |
| Years to max height | 5 |
| Drought resistance | yes |
| Cultivation | Grow in cool, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full or partial shade. Water regularly, with extra water in hot, dry spells. |
| Soil | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Local names | Christmas Fern, Christmas Dagger Fern |
| Blomidon Item No | MO23021950, 7937678049331, Z2POLAR0001G, 1008188, 201815512 |
| Usps | Dark green fronds bring evergreen color to shaded gardens., Slowly spreading clumps help cover shaded slopes., Tolerates dry shade in woodland plantings. |
| Propagation | Divide established clumps in spring and replant the divisions in cool, humus-rich, moist but well-drained shade. |
| Pests | Generally pest-free; check damaged fronds for Florida fern caterpillars. |
| Diseases | Avoid poorly drained soil, which can lead to crown rot, especially in winter. |
| Pruning | Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring as new growth begins. |
| Watering instructions | Keep the soil moist but well drained; water regularly and increase watering during hot, dry spells. |
| Sunlight instructions | Grow in full or partial shade, ideally on a north-, east-, or west-facing site. |
| Common Name | Christmas Fern |