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Christmas Fern

Polystichum acrostichoides

Pronunciation: pol-LIST-ik-um ak-ruh-stick-OH-id-eez
SKU #08371
4-8

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LIGHT: Full shade, Partial shade
WATER: Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry.
SIZE: Fast growing; reaches 2 to 3 ft. tall and wide.

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Description A low-growing fern native to Eastern North America with dark green, leathery fronds that form a fountain-like foliage crown that broadens with age. Works well as an accent in shaded beds and borders. A clumping fern that can be planted en masse for use as a groundcover that maintains its vibrant color well into winter. Evergreen.
Bloom Time Prized for foliage.
Deciduous/Evergreen Herbaceous
Special Features Easy Care, Non-toxic to Cats and Dogs, North American Native, Fast Growing
Problems/Solutions Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Rabbit Resistant, Dry Shade, Very Wet Areas
Growth Rate Fast
Growth Habit Spreading
Landscape Use Border, Container, Accent, Hillside, Small Spaces
Foliage Color Dark Green
Companion Plants Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum); Columbine (Aquilegia); Hosta (Hosta); Lungwort (Pulmonaria); Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
Care Instructions Thrives in organically rich soils with excellent drainage; tolerate wet soils but not poorly drained, waterlogged soils or standing water. Shelter from harsh sun exposures. Water regularly in first growing season to establish root system; once established tolerates periodic dry spells. Remove old, faded fronds when new growth begins in spring.
Lore Christmas Fern derives its name from its resilience to early season snows, in which it will hold its dark green color beyond Christmas, making it an ideal accent to holiday arrangements.
Details
DescriptionA low-growing fern native to Eastern North America with dark green, leathery fronds that form a fountain-like foliage crown that broadens with age. Works well as an accent in shaded beds and borders. A clumping fern that can be planted en masse for use as a groundcover that maintains its vibrant color well into winter. Evergreen.
Bloom TimePrized for foliage.
Deciduous/EvergreenHerbaceous
Special FeaturesEasy Care, Non-toxic to Cats and Dogs, North American Native, Fast Growing
Problems/SolutionsDeer Resistant, Erosion Control, Rabbit Resistant, Dry Shade, Very Wet Areas
Growth RateFast
Growth HabitSpreading
Style
Landscape UseBorder, Container, Accent, Hillside, Small Spaces
Foliage ColorDark Green
Companion PlantsSolomon's Seal (Polygonatum); Columbine (Aquilegia); Hosta (Hosta); Lungwort (Pulmonaria); Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
Care
Care InstructionsThrives in organically rich soils with excellent drainage; tolerate wet soils but not poorly drained, waterlogged soils or standing water. Shelter from harsh sun exposures. Water regularly in first growing season to establish root system; once established tolerates periodic dry spells. Remove old, faded fronds when new growth begins in spring.
History
LoreChristmas Fern derives its name from its resilience to early season snows, in which it will hold its dark green color beyond Christmas, making it an ideal accent to holiday arrangements.

Frequently asked questions

Does Christmas Fern produce flowers?
Prized for foliage.
Is Christmas Fern evergreen or deciduous?
Christmas Fern is Herbaceous.
What are the special features of Christmas Fern?
Christmas Fern is Easy Care, Non-toxic to Cats and Dogs, North American Native, Fast Growing.
Is Christmas Fern resistant to pests or animals?
Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Rabbit Resistant, Dry Shade, Very Wet Areas
How fast does Christmas Fern grow?
Christmas Fern has a Fast growth rate.
What is the growth habit of Christmas Fern?
Christmas Fern grows in an Spreading habit.
Where can I use Christmas Fern in my landscape?
Christmas Fern is suitable for: Border, Container, Accent, Hillside, Small Spaces.
What color is the foliage of Christmas Fern?
Christmas Fern has Dark Green foliage.
What plants grow well with Christmas Fern?
Good companion plants for Christmas Fern include: Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum); Columbine (Aquilegia); Hosta (Hosta); Lungwort (Pulmonaria); Bleeding Heart (Dicentra).
How do I care for Christmas Fern?
Thrives in organically rich soils with excellent drainage; tolerate wet soils but not poorly drained, waterlogged soils or standing water. Shelter from harsh sun exposures. Water regularly in first growing season to establish root system; once established tolerates periodic dry spells. Remove old, faded fronds when new growth begins in spring.

About Us

We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.

We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.