- Full Shade to Partial Shade (0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 18 - 24 Inches
- Mature Spread 18 - 24 Inches
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
The Christmas Fern is a hardy and adaptable plant that will thrive in various conditions while providing lush greenery and texture. The Polystichum acrostichoides has a central midrib with symmetrical leaflets that gradually taper near the ends of each frond. The foliage will remain vibrant green and stay in place until the Christmas holiday in many regions, earning this fern its name.
This fern is native to eastern North America, so it will look fantastic with little care once it acclimates. The fronds grow in a loose rosette formation, with the fronds of this plant all emerging from a central spot. Plant it along the shady side of a garage or shed to add color and texture to a yard, create a lush mass planting, or feature this beauty in a mixed bed of shade-loving plants. The Christmas Fern grows as a perennial in USDA zones 3 through 8.
Christmas Fern Care
Plant in moist, well-draining soil that has high organic content. This plant needs full shade, but it can tolerate some sun. Water weekly or when the soil begins to dry out. The soil should be consistently damp. Be ready to water this fern during a dry period. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to prevent the soil from drying out.
Plant in the spring after the threat of frost. Do not feed the fern for the first year, but apply an acidic fertilizer each spring starting in the second growing season. Remove dry or damaged fronds at any time.
Christmas Fern Spacing
The arching fronds of the Christmas Fern will reach 18 to 24 inches tall and spread 30 to 36 inches wide. Space this beauty 28 to 34 inches apart from other plants to create a dense, mass planting.
Christmas Fern Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
Plant Type: Perennials |
Light Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade (0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 18 - 24 Inches |
Mature Spread: 30 - 36 Inches |
Spacing: 30 - 36 Inches |
Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Dep Glossy Green Fronds |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering, 4 Season Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Containers, Edging, Groundcovers, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Native to North America |
Brand: |
Common Name: Christmas Fern |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: POLYSTICHUM ACROSTICHOIDES |
- SKU:
- 1231001015-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
![Quart Pot Quart Pot](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/images/stencil/original/image-manager/quart-container-new.jpg)
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
![2.5 Quart 2.5 Quart](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/images/stencil/original/image-manager/2.5-quart-pot-new.jpg)
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
![#1 Pot #1 Pot](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/images/stencil/original/image-manager/1-container-new.jpg)
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
![#2 Pot #2 Pot](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/images/stencil/original/image-manager/2-container-new.jpg)
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
![#3 Pot #3 Pot](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/images/stencil/original/image-manager/3-container-new.jpg)
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
![#3 Pot #5 Pot](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-jmzfi5zcr2/images/stencil/640w/products/7703/23766/plant__87216.1707922800.jpg?c=2)
#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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Best in Class Warranty
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Arrival Guarantee
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Free 1-Year Plant Warranty
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
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Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.