



Christmas Fern
Low maintenance and hardy plant
Soil erosion prevention and control
Resistant to pests and diseases
Thrives in
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Christmas Fern - Polystichum acrostichoides
The Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) is an easy to maintain and vigorous fern native to eastern North America. This fern is a popular fern among gardeners and it makes a great companion for other shade loving plants in the garden or woodland setting. It is an evergreen fern and thus get its common name from maintaining its rich green color throughout the winter months, straddling Christmas. It can grow up to at least 2 ft tall and has beautiful fronds that unravel from the center of the rhizome like party horns. This fern is ideal for sharing garden space with perennials as it forms confined clumps with time but will not spread or overtake other plants in the garden.
Plant Details - Christmas Fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3–9
Light Requirement: Partial shade to full shade
Water Needs: Moderate
Height: 1-2 ft
Spread: 2 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom Time: NA
Flower Color: NA
Wildlife Value: Provides year-round cover for small wildlife
In the spring, new and delicate fiddleheads, also called croziers, emerge. These delightful fiddleheads are silvery in color due to the fine hairs that cover the entirety of the new emergence. Once unfurled, the under part of the of the last third of the fertile frond’s pinnae will be covered in sori.
The fronds of the beautiful Christmas Fern are strikingly bright which is even more prominent against the back drop of white snow. This fern provides greenery during the long winter months and overall garden charm to the understory, year-round.
Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Christmas Fern
This fern is virtually pest and disease-free and easy to maintain. It usually grows best in soil that is rich in organic matter with dry to medium moisture content. It loves shade and will be happy situated in a marginal forest area or on the north side of the house. They are also quite appropriate for amassing on slope or hills to add extra texture to the landscape.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Easy to maintain, evergreen, creates habitat for wildlife.
This evergreen and charming fern will keep your winter bright with greenery while you wait for the spring time bloom. Shop for the Christmas Fern online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.
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Height at Maturity
Over 2 Feet

Care
Christmas Ferns are low-maintenance and thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Keep the dirt always moist but not waterlogged. They benefit from occasional applications of compost and should be kept free of debris to prevent disease. Prune dead fronds as necessary.

Plant Reproduction
Christmas Fern spreads via rhizomes and spores, forming dense clumps
Choose early spring or fall when the soil is moist and cool to plant healthy bare-root ferns. You can also use dormant plants to grow year-round. When you arrive, please soak the roots in water for several hours to rehydrate them. Ferns thrive in moist and shaded areas. Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread out the roots comfortably. Position the fern so the crown (where the roots meet the fronds) is just at or slightly below ground level. Gently backfill with soil firmly around the roots, and thoroughly water to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch for weed control and to retain moisture, ensuring the mulch does not touch the crown. Water during dry periods is used to keep soil moist but not soggy. Avoid fertilizing in the first year, as ferns prefer nutrient-rich soil over direct fertilization.
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Lush Evergreen Foliage:
Christmas Fern delivers a dense, vibrant green cover that remains visually appealing year-round, even through the coldest months. This continuous green presence enhances your garden's aesthetic.
Resilient and Hardy:
Christmas Fern is known for its robustness, adapting well to various soil types and weather conditions. It remains hardy through cold temperatures, making it a dependable choice for diverse climates.
Adaptable to Shade:
Ideal for low-light areas, this fern thrives in shaded or partially shaded spots where other plants might struggle. It brings life and texture to otherwise challenging garden spaces.
Low Maintenance:
With minimal care requirements, Christmas Fern is perfect for gardeners looking for beauty without the constant upkeep. It requires occasional watering and minimal attention to stay healthy.
Caring Tips
How do I care for my Christmas Fern?
Each box contains detailed care instructions and information about your product. But here's the basics.
Care Tips
Christmas Ferns are low-maintenance and thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Keep the dirt always moist but not waterlogged. They benefit from occasional applications of compost and should be kept free of debris to prevent disease. Prune dead fronds as necessary.
Light Requirements
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) thrives in low to moderate light exposure. It prefers shaded to partially shaded areas like woodland gardens or under-tree canopies. Direct sunlight should be evaded, as it can burn its delicate fronds.
Hardy Planting Zones
3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9
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