Shade Tolerant Evergreen Christmas Fern Polystichum acrostichoides

Add a bit of year-round greenery to your landscape with Christmas fern.

This fern is native to dry and moist woodlands of the eastern United States. It is hardy in zones 3 to 9 and prefers part to full shade and well-drained organic soils. It tolerates drought conditions once established, making it a suitable ground cover under oaks, maples and other trees with dense canopies.

The evergreen fronds that are green at Christmas inspired its common name. Plus, the small leaves along the frond, called pinnae, resemble a stocking.

Christmas fern forms 1 to 2 foot tall clumps that enlarge but do not naturalize or overtake planting beds.

Include Christmas ferns in natural plantings, shade gardens, shady borders, along walls and in foundation plantings.

Best of all, rabbits and deer tend to leave it be.

A bit more information: Plant a few spring flowering bulbs amongst Christmas ferns for added spring color in the garden. Combine it with other perennials. The soft texture contrasts nicely with the bold leaves of hostas.