Polystichum acrostichoides ‘Christmas Fern’

‘Christmas’ Fern gets its common name from the evergreen fronds that are sometimes used in holiday decorations. The ‘Christmas’ Fern is dark green and typically grows in a fountain-like clump and features leathery, lance-shaped, evergreen (green at Christmas time as the common name suggests) fronds. Stocking shape of the pinnae also suggests Christmas. Crosiers (young fiddleheads) in spring are silvery and scaled. Evergreen fronds also provide good winter interest for the landscape.

Ferns are perfect for the background of the garden or in a woodland setting. Their gracefulness makes them especially suited for companions to the Hosta. Performs well in sun but prefers partial shade.

Plant Details +

Botanical Polystichum acrostichoides
Common Name Christmas Fern'
Family Dryopteridaceae
Size #1
Height 9-18"
Spacing 18"
Hardiness Zones 3-8
Exposure Partial shade to full shade
Foliage Dark-green, upright fronds
Flower Non-flowering
Bloomtime Non-flowering

Planting/Care Instructions +

Planting Instructions: May be planted in any well-drained soil. Dig a hole large enough to encompass the roots without bending or circling. Set the plant in place so the crown (part of the plant where the root meets the stem) is level with the soil surface. Water thoroughly. Best grown in organically rich, dry to medium wet, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. Consider planting rhizome at an angle to help combat potential crown rot problems which can occur in poorly drained soils. This fern will not spread or naturalize, however, clumps will increase in size over time.

Pests or Diseases: No serious insect or disease problems. Crown rot in poorly drained soils can be a problem, particularly in winter.