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Christmas fern plant
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Christmas Ferns

Low maintenance and hardy plant

Soil erosion prevention and control

Resistant to pests and diseases

$6.69

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The Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) is a timeless native fern that brings year-round greenery to shaded gardens and natural landscapes. Unlike many ferns that fade with the seasons, this hardy plant keeps its deep green fronds even through winter, adding life and color when most plants are dormant.

 Its name comes from this evergreen quality, as its foliage often looks fresh and vibrant during Christmas. With arching fronds that grow in clumps, the Christmas Fern provides a lush, woodland look that fits beautifully into shade gardens, borders, or naturalized areas.

Why Gardeners Love This Plant

This fern plant is prized for being both attractive and easy to grow. This native fern thrives in planting zones 3 -9 and adapts well to various soils, especially moist, well-drained spots with dappled or full shade.

The Christmas Fern is low-maintenance and resistant to many pests, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want beauty without the fuss. Its dense root system also helps control soil erosion, making it practical for slopes and woodland edges. It works as a ground cover, accent plant, or natural companion to shade-loving perennials and wildflowers in landscapes.

Planting and Care

Christmas Ferns establish best when planted in cool, rich soil with good moisture. Once settled, they require little upkeep beyond occasional watering during long dry spells. Unlike some ferns, they stay well-behaved and do not spread aggressively, making them easy to manage in small gardens and large natural plantings.

Whether used to add structure in a shaded border, as a natural carpet under trees, or as winter interest in a woodland garden, this fern is a reliable performer year after year.

Order Christmas Ferns from TN Nursery

At TN Nursery, we grow and ship healthy acrostichoides plants ready for planting in your landscape. These native evergreens offer lasting charm, strong adaptability, and dependable performance in shade gardens. Order today and bring home a fern that stays green every season, living up to its name as one of North America's most beloved evergreen ferns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Ferns

Are Christmas ferns evergreen?

Yes, Polystichum acrostichoides is evergreen. Their dark green fronds remain vibrant even in winter, making them a reliable plant for year-round interest.

Do Christmas ferns spread quickly?

They spread slowly through rhizomes. They will not take over a garden bed but form graceful clumps that expand gradually over time.

What planting zones are best for Christmas ferns?

They thrive in USDA zones 3 through 9. This wide adaptability makes them ideal for many parts of the United States.

Where should I plant Christmas ferns?

Christmas Ferns grow best in shaded to partially shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil. Woodland gardens, borders, and slopes are ideal planting spots.

How do I care for Christmas fern plants after planting?

Water Christmas Ferns regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, they require little maintenance beyond occasional mulching and trimming of old fronds.

Do Christmas ferns like sun or shade?

Christmas ferns prefer partial to full shade for best growth. They do well in damp, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Their evergreen fronds stay lush year-round, making them an easy and attractive choice for shaded gardens.

Do Christmas ferns spread?

Yes, Christmas ferns spread slowly over time through short underground rhizomes. They form neat clumps that gradually expand, creating beautiful green patches in shaded areas. Their controlled growth makes them perfect for low-maintenance ground cover.

Do Christmas ferns come back every year?

Yes, Christmas ferns come back every year and stay green even through winter. Their hardy evergreen fronds provide lasting color in shaded gardens. They’re reliable, low-maintenance plants that thrive year after year.

Exposure

Shade

Height at Maturity

Over 2 Feet

Usage

Shade Plant

Shipped As

Bare-root

Ships

USPS

Planting Zones

3-9

How To Grow & Care Tips

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Fern Rhizomes

Bare root fern rhizomes are easy to plant and bring lush, woodland beauty to shaded or partially shaded areas. To begin, soak the rhizomes in water for 1–2 hours before planting to help rehydrate them. Choose a planting site with rich, well-draining soil high in organic matter. Ferns thrive in moisture-retentive soil, so amending with compost or leaf mold is ideal.

Dig a shallow hole wide enough to spread the rhizome out horizontally, and place it just below the soil surface with the growing tips (or “eyes”) facing upward. Cover lightly with soil, press gently, and water thoroughly. Keep the soil evenly moist—never dry or soggy—while the fern establishes.

Mulch with leaf litter or pine needles to conserve moisture and mimic the fern’s natural habitat. Avoid direct sunlight, as most native ferns prefer cool, shaded conditions. With patience and proper care, the rhizomes will send up new fronds and form a graceful, low-maintenance colony that returns year after year.

Caring Tips

How do I care for my Christmas Ferns?

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

Shade

Hardy Planting Zones

3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9