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Cyrtomium falcatum

Japanese holly fern

An evergreen fern, deciduous in cold areas, forming a tuft of leathery, pinnate fronds to 70cm long, composed of dark glossy green, broadly sickle-shaped leaflets

Other common names
fishtail fern
holly fern
see morehouse holly fern
Synonyms
Polystichum falcatum
Phanerophlebia falcata
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Cyrtomium can be tufted evergreen or deciduous ferns with simply pinnate leaves composed of sickle-shaped pinnae; spore-heaps are scattered over the lower surface of the frond

Name status

Correct

Plant range
E Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Can be grown outdoors in a moderately fertile, humus-rich soil but will require protection from frosts

Propagation

Propagate by spores sown at 16°C in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required but frost-damaged fronds can be removed in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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