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.
Related
Categories
Upcoming Webinars & Appearances
Feb. 8, 2023
WEBINAR:
Indoor Container Garden Design & Display Ideas
Register now
Feb. 10-12, 2023
PBS Wisconsin
Garden & Landscape EXPO
Madison, Wisconsin
Feb. 15, 2023
WEBINAR:
10 Tips for Growing Better Dahlias!
Register now
Feb. 17-19, 2023
NARI Milwaukee Spring Home Improvement Show
West Allis, Wisconsin
Feb. 22, 2023
WEBINAR:
Grow Beautiful Water Gardens
Register now
March 1, 2023
WEBINAR:
How and When to Prune Shrubs
Register now
March 4, 2023
Milwaukee Public Libraries
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
March 8, 2023
WEBINAR:
Grow Your Own Flowers for Bouquets
Register Now
March 11, 2023
Home, Lawn & Garden Day
Bloomington, Illinois
Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND
Learn More