Photo of Cyrtomium falcatum foliage by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

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Buy Cyrtomium falcatum

Also Known As

  • Holly Fern
  • Japanese Holly Fern

Plant type

fern

size

  • H: 24"-36"
  • W: 24"-36"

planting zones

  • 7a-11

1 gallon | $25

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Fewer than 19 at Forestfarm

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Cyrtomium falcatum plant details

Cyrtomium falcatum is a moderate-growing evergreen fern with green foliage. Features glossy texture. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cyrtomium falcatum

Plant type: fern
Plant family: dryopteridaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 24 IN - 36 IN - wide, 24 IN - 36 IN - tall
Uses: houseplant, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cyrtomium falcatum

USDA Zones: 7a - 11
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The leathery shiny-green fronds of this 2-3' species resemble Oregon Grape. Somewhat tender, it makes a fine house plant and a beautiful addition to woodland garden in warmer climates (25°F+). Do not plant too deep. Sh-PSh/M/GDr
The Holly Fern is one of the most unusual looking ferns because of its wide pointy fronds which look just like a Holly leaf (it also somewhat resembles Mahonia species but without the thorns). The fronds are tough and hold up to heavy winds much better than any other fern we have grown which makes this an excellent choice for tough locations. Afternoon shade is important for keeping the lime-green color that this fern is famous for, and well drained soil is important to prevent root rot in the winter. We don't recommend growing this fern in clay soil for this reason but if that is what you have then you can still grow this fern using the mounding method.

The mounding method allows plants that require well drained soil to be planted in poor soils by creating a mound of shredded bark about a foot and a half high and two feet in diameter on top of the poorer soil. By planting the fern on top of the mound it will be growing in well drained soil elevated above the compact soil below.

In warmer climates (zones 7-9) this species has evergreen fronds, while in zone 6 the fronds will often be deciduous. This species can grow in zone 5 in a sheltered location especially when planted in rich, loamy soil.
Zn 8. Dark green fronds. Tolerates dry shade.
Native to Asia, this interesting fern needs a shelter location with ample moisture in the Willamette Valley. Its beautiful coarse texture and glossy dark green fronds, makes this fern stand out! Can be grown indoors with filtered light. Growth Rate medium
Awards: Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

By: Fantastic Plants

Gorgeous evergreen fern with fronds of substance. Quite upright when young and then bowing some with age.- not unlike myself. Quite easy and bringing a distinctive texture to the garden not easily replicated by other ferns.

Gardening facts about Cyrtomium falcatum plant

How to Grow Cyrtomium falcatum

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
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