Cyrtomium fortunei Clivicola

Description

Cyrtomium fortunei var. clivicola – holly fern

Botanical name: Cyrtomium fortunei var. clivicola
Common names: Holly fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Plant type: Evergreen fern
Habit: Clump-forming, arching, low
Pot size: 3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 30–45cm tall × 40–50cm spread
Foliage: Leathery, holly-like matt green pinnae along low, arching fronds; evergreen
Flowers: None — ferns reproduce by spores, not flowers
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Partial to full shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; tolerates lime and drier shade; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy, to about −15°C); USDA zones 6–9
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Species native to eastern Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Cyrtomium fortunei var. clivicola is a lower-growing holly fern with leathery, holly-like matt green pinnae along arching fronds. Tough and adaptable, it tolerates dry shade and lime, ideal for shady borders and courtyards.

GardenAdvice notes

A lower, more spreading variety of Fortune’s holly fern, var. clivicola shares the same distinctive leathery, holly-shaped pinnae and easy-going, adaptable nature, on a slightly more compact, arching plant. Like the species it tolerates drier shade and lime better than most ferns, and gives handsome evergreen structure to shady spots.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. It tolerates drier shade and lime better than many ferns, though it does best with reliable moisture. Work in leaf mould, and space about 40cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Keep the soil from drying out while establishing, and mulch with leaf mould in autumn. Remove old, tatty or frost-burnt fronds in early spring before the new growth appears. A sheltered spot protects the evergreen fronds in cold gardens.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide congested clumps in spring.
• Spores: Can be raised from spores sown on moist, sterile compost, though this is slow and specialised.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Young fronds may be grazed by slugs and snails, and foliage can scorch in exposed positions. Otherwise robust and reliable.

Uses in the garden

Ideal for shady and woodland borders, the front of shaded beds, courtyards and difficult dry-shade spots, where its glossy holly-like fronds add unusual evergreen texture.

Wildlife value

The evergreen fronds provide year-round cover and shelter for small invertebrates.

Toxicity & safety

Ferns are generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets, though as with all ornamental plants they are not intended for eating.

GardenAdvice tip

Like its parent, this holly fern is a great choice for a difficult shady, limy or drier spot where fussier ferns sulk, and its lower, arching habit suits the front of a shady border. Keep it reasonably moist, shelter it a little in cold gardens, and cut the old fronds away each spring.

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