- 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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.