Polystichum acrostichoides

Description

Polystichum acrostichoides – Christmas fern

Botanical name: Polystichum acrostichoides
Common names: Christmas fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Plant type: Evergreen fern
Habit: Clump-forming, arching
Pot size: 3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 45–60cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Leathery, lance-shaped, dark green 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 drier shade; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy, to about −15°C); USDA zones 3–9
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Species native to eastern North America
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Polystichum acrostichoides, the Christmas fern, is a tough evergreen with leathery, lance-shaped dark green fronds forming neat arching clumps. Reliable and adaptable, it is excellent for shady and woodland borders.

GardenAdvice notes

A dependable evergreen fern from eastern North America, the Christmas fern is named for its fronds staying green right through to Christmas and beyond. It forms neat, arching clumps of leathery, dark green fronds, tolerates drier shade well, and is one of the easiest and most reliable ferns for year-round structure in shade.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Work in leaf mould or compost to hold moisture, and space according to the ultimate size, generally about 45–60cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Keep the soil from drying out, especially while establishing, and mulch with leaf mould in autumn. Remove old, tatty or frost-burnt fronds in early spring before the new growth unfurls. No feeding is usually needed beyond an annual mulch.

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 and robust. Slugs and snails may graze the soft young fronds as they unfurl in spring, and fronds can scorch in dry or exposed positions. Moist soil and shelter keep it looking its best.

Uses in the garden

Ideal for shady and woodland borders, shaded banks, north-facing beds and among other shade plants, giving reliable evergreen structure and good groundcover

Wildlife value

The fronds and crown provide cover and shelter for small invertebrates through the year.

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

The Christmas fern is a tough, reliable evergreen that keeps its glossy fronds through winter and copes with drier shade than many ferns, making it a great backbone plant for a shady border. Cut away the old fronds in early spring just before the new ones unfurl to keep the clump looking fresh.

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