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Polystichum acrostichoides
Christmas fern
An evergreen fern with a branching rhizome producing clumps of leathery, narrowly-oblong fronds divided into pairs of narrow, mid to dark green leaflets
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Polystichum are mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen ferns, with short stout rhizomes and pinnately divided fronds in neat shuttlecock-like rosettes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in moist but well-drained, cool, humus-rich soils in full or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by division or from spores
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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