The Evergreen Christmas Fern Offers Year-Round Greenery
Christmas ferns (Polystichum acrostichoides) are a type of fern that is native to eastern North America. They are called because their evergreen fronds remain green throughout the winter, making them a popular choice for holiday decorations.
Christmas Fern Growth
The ferns typically grow about 1 to 2 feet tall and wide. They prefer to grow in partial to full shade and in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. These ferns can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clay soils.
The fronds of ferns are pinnate, dividing them into leaflets along a central axis. The leaflets are generally about 2 to 4 inches long and have a leathery texture.
Christmas Fern Appearance
The fronds arise from a central crown and spread outward, forming a clump over time.
Christmas ferns are a popular landscaping plant, and they are often used in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and as ground cover. They are also a favorite of gardeners because they are relatively low-maintenance and can be propagated by dividing the crowns in the spring.
Christmas Ferns Are An Exotic Evergreen Fern
The Christmas Fern, or Polystichum acrostichoides, is a perennial from primarily eastern North America with leaves that stay green during the holiday season. Some of this plant’s popularity comes from its fountain-like fronds that spawn from its base.
The fronds of this evergreen plant generally grow to 1 to 2 feet in length, while the plant usually grows 2 to 3 feet tall. The fronds stay glossy and green all year, although longer when the plant is fertile.
The Fern is also one of the first ferns to emerge again in the spring. When the fronds emerge, they are initially upright. They later arch gently to the ground and become solid ground cover when fully mature. It also means their appearance will change slightly throughout the year, refreshing the look of a large garden.
The Christmas Fern performs best in excellent, moist soil with lots of shade, as this plant originated from a rocky, vegetation-lush habitat. The U.S.D.A. says it grows best in hardiness zones 3 through 9.
This hardy plant is also resistant to damage from pests such as small animals and deer, making it an excellent choice for those in northern states with deer problems. It provides perfect ground cover and accents.
They can be used as a border for a more extensive garden, to fill space in a large yard, or even as a potted houseplant.
They can also be placed in a planter. Be sure to mist them at least once a week to allow for moist but not excessively saturated soil. Indoors, these plants will do best near a window providing daytime sunlight and afternoon shade to prevent overexposure to the sun or a risk of drying out the fern’s soil.
Luckily, this fern isn’t hard to care for and does not need to be regularly pruned, making it an excellent choice for a gardener.
