Christmas Fern

Christmas Fern Evergreen Native Fern for Shade

The Christmas Fern is a native woodland plant valued for its year-round greenery, toughness, and classic appearance. Its botanical name is Polystichum acrostichoides.

The fern gets its name because its thick, leathery fronds usually stay green and attractive all winter, bringing color and structure when most shade plants are dormant. In shady areas, it creates a peaceful, natural look that works well in woodland gardens, under trees, along shaded borders, and on slopes.

This fern grows in neat, arching clumps and does not spread quickly, making it an easy choice for both small gardens and larger natural areas. It grows best in partial to full shade and likes soil that is moist, drains well, and is rich in organic matter, much like a forest floor.

 In cold weather, the fronds may flatten or darken slightly, but they remain alive and usually perk up again in spring. Once established, Christmas Fern requires little care, naturally resists pests, and deer typically avoid it due to its rough texture.

Order Christmas Ferns Online at TN Nursery

At TN Nursery, we grow and ship strong, native Christmas Ferns that are ready to plant as soon as they arrive. These evergreen ferns give your garden structure all year, thrive in shade, and stay reliable for years in woodland settings. Order now to enjoy a classic native fern that adds lasting beauty to your shaded spaces in every season.

Christmas Fern FAQs

Why is Christmas Fern evergreen?

Its thick, leathery fronds can handle cold weather, so the leaves stay green all winter instead of dying back.

Does Christmas Fern die back in winter?

No. The fronds may flatten during snow or cold weather, but they remain alive and usually stand back up when the weather warms in early spring.

Where does Christmas Fern grow best?

It grows best in partial to full shade, especially in woodlands, along shaded borders, and under trees.

What type of soil is ideal?

The best soil is moist, drains well, and is rich in organic matter. Adding leaf mold or compost helps create conditions like those on a forest floor.

How often should it be watered?

Keep the soil evenly moist while the fern is getting established. Once it’s mature, it can handle short dry periods but does best with steady moisture.t? Yes. Its rough, tough leaves are less appealing to deer than many other shade plants.

Does it spread aggressively?

No. It grows in tidy clumps that gradually increase in size without spreading or crowding out other plants.

Can it be used for erosion control?

Yes. Its dense, fibrous roots help hold soil in place on shaded slopes, banks, and woodland edges.

How large does Christmas Fern grow?

Mature clumps typically grow to a height of 1 to 2 feet and a width of 1 to 2 feet, forming a graceful, arching shape in shady areas.

When will I see new growth after planting?

New growth usually appears once spring temperatures rise and the soil stays moist, with fresh fronds coming up as the season goes on.

We ship bareroot fern rhizomes, and below is a sample of what you will receive. Plant it, and the following Spring, it will produce fronds (tops) and become large and beautiful.