Polystichum acrostichoides
$27.00 / 1G
Christmas Fern ·
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Description
Polystichum acrostichoides, commonly known as Christmas Fern, is a clump-forming herbaceous fern valued for its foliage, form, and structural presence. It typically matures 1–3 feet tall and 1–3 feet wide. Grow it in partial to deep shade in moist, well-drained loamy soil. Its native range or documented parentage is Eastern Canada to Mexico. It provides winter cover near the ground. In the landscape, it works well in accent, border, and mass planting. Once established, it shows useful tolerance to deer, fire, and heavy shade.
Benefits
Softens shade with layered texture where flowers are not the main event. Provides visual payoff even when the plant is not in bloom. Fits naturally into Mid-Atlantic planting palettes and habitat-minded gardens. A better candidate for landscapes with deer pressure than more browse-prone plants.
Features
Polystichum acrostichoides provides cultivar-specific ornamental foliage, flowers, form, or seasonal interest.
Usage/Use
Mixed border, cottage garden, mass planting
| Polystichum acrostichoides | |
| Christmas Fern | |
| No | |
| Best grown in part shade to shade with average moisture. | |
| Part Shade to Shade; Average moisture; Well-drained average garden soil. Water regularly the first season, then adjust to plant preference. | |
| Garden origin / cultivated selection | |
| Locally Native | |
| No | |
| Eastern Canada to Mexico | |
| Yes |
| 4 - 9 | |
| Hardy in USDA Zones 4–9; protect roots during establishment. | |
| Part Shade | |
| High Organic | |
| Fertilize Less Often | |
| Infrequent Monthly | |
| 6 - 8 | |
| 1 - 3 ft | |
| 1 - 3 ft | |
| Medium | |
| 1 - 3 ft |
| Yes | |
| None | |
| Green Shades | |
| Green | |
| Green foliage | |
| Woodland | |
| Woodland Garden | |
| Grown for Foliage | |
| Shade-Loving Perennials | |
| None | |
| Clump Forming | |
| Slow to Establish | |
| Fall, Spring, Summer | |
| Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Average Water | |
| Well-drained | |
| Water deeply during establishment; after established, water based on rainfall and soil moisture. | |
| Not Needed | |
| For Plant Health | |
| Low | |
| Water regularly during establishment, mulch to conserve moisture, and cut back/prune at the proper seasonal time. |