Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
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 lush green and stay in place until the Christmas holiday in many regions, earning this fern its name. (best if you mean healthy/full foliage)
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 Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 3 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Full Shade to Part Shade (0-4 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 1-2 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 2-3 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Deep Glossy Green Fronds
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering, 4 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Christmas Fern
- Botanical Name
- POLYSTICHUM ACROSTICHOIDES
- Plant Type
- Perennial
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased 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.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!