If you're strolling through the woods in mid-winter, you might spot the evergreen beauty of Polystichum acrostichoides, better known as the Christmas fern. This resilient native plant retains its vibrant green color and fountainous form all year long. Its festive name reflects its stocking-shaped pinnae ("leaves") and cheerful green appearance during the holidays. Growing 12 to 24 inches tall and wide, this fern unfurls silvery green fiddleheads in spring that deepen to a lush mid-green as they mature.
A tough perennial (Zones 3-9), the Christmas fern thrives in eastern U.S. woodlands, growing in both dry and moist soil conditions, even on rocky slopes or along stream banks. However, wild Christmas fern populations are now endangered, but you can contribute to their preservation by adding them to your garden. Our nursery-grown plants are exclusively propagated commercially and never taken from their natural habitats. While Christmas fern doesn't naturalize, it slowly increases in size and beauty over time. It is a fantastic companion for trilliums and Virginia bluebells and a great option for erosion control projects.
This shade-loving fern requires little care once established, thriving in enriched, well-draining soil but tolerating average conditions and drought. It resists deer damage and adapts well to less-than-ideal environments. For optimal growth, water regularly, add mulch, and trim back old fronds to keep it looking its best, especially in sunnier spots. Avoid overly wet conditions to prevent crown rot.
Plant Christmas fern roots in spring, spacing them 18 inches apart and setting them 1/2 inch deep.
