Cyrtomium falcatum (Holly Fern)

Common name: Holly Fern

Description: This striking evergreen fern produces glossy, dark green fronds with holly-like leaflets that create a bold, architectural effect in shaded areas year-round. The distinctive leathery fronds are more upright than many ferns, bringing structure and elegant form to woodland gardens and shade borders. Holly fern is perfect for adding year-round interest to shade borders, providing ground cover in woodland settings, or creating textural contrast in containers. The glossy foliage remains attractive throughout winter whilst the architectural habit brings sophistication to shaded plantings. This hardy fern is more drought tolerant than most once established and requires minimal maintenance.

Other benefits: evergreen foliage, shade tolerant, architectural form, relatively drought tolerant, low maintenance

Wildlife attraction: provides shelter for insects and amphibians

Height & spread (approx.) at maturity: 60cm x 60cm

Position: partial shade to full shade

Soil pH: adaptable; performs well in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions

Moisture: moderate to moist soil preferred; more drought tolerant than most ferns once established

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -15°C