Cyrtomium falcatum
$22.00 / 1G
Japanese Holly Fern ·
Description
Cyrtomium falcatum, commonly known as Holly Fern, is a clump-forming herbaceous fern valued for its foliage, form, and structural presence. It typically matures 1.42–2 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide. Grow it in partial to deep shade in moist, well-drained clay or loam soil. Its native range or documented parentage is China to Temp. Eastern Asia and Vietnam. Its foliage supplies texture and seasonal cover, though it does not produce flowers for pollinators. In the landscape, it works well in border, mass planting, and small groups. Once established, it shows useful tolerance to deer, heat, 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. A better candidate for landscapes with deer pressure than more browse-prone plants. Helps make lower-light garden areas feel intentional instead of bare.
Features
Cyrtomium falcatum provides cultivar-specific ornamental foliage, flowers, form, or seasonal interest.
Usage/Use
Mixed border, cottage garden, mass planting
Native Range
China to Temp. Eastern Asia and Vietnam
| Cyrtomium falcatum | |
| Holly 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 | |
| Non-Native | |
| No | |
| 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. |