| Undoubtedly the best Cyrtomium for use in the landscape, it is cold hardier than others and quite lovely, with smaller, more finely divided pinnae on a compact habit. A spectacular choice for large plantings in the shade, even a small grouping mixes well with other perennials in the shade border. Reaching about 24 inches tall and 16 inches wide, this plant sets long, elegant fronds of pale green in spring. They darken somewhat as they mature, but never achieve the high gloss for which Cyrtomium is usually famous. Their gleaming matt look is much more effective in the landscape, and their slender form more elegant. This is a choice selection, to be displayed at the center of any display. C. fortunei is native to Korea, China, and Japan, so it tolerates our hot and humid summers beautifully. It thrives in consistently moist but not poorly draining soils, and remains evergreen. If the winter weather is particularly harsh, it may need an early-spring trim to remove any damaged fronds, but it will quickly bounce back with regular watering and a light spring feeding. Long-lived and dependable, it will become a shade border mainstay. Zones 5-9. |
