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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

Other common names
dagger fern

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
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

North–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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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