Christmas Fern

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Shade

(0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1-2 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 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.