Cyrtomium fortunei (Fortune's Holly Fern) – Evergreen Fern (Set of 3 or 6)

Glossy, dark green fronds with holly shaped leaflets, evergreen and happy in the shadiest corners.

Fortune's holly fern is one of the hardiest and most reliable evergreen ferns available. It forms neat, arching clumps of leathery fronds that give structure and texture in every season, and it is at its most useful under trees and shrubs, in gaps along a north facing border or softening a shaded courtyard.

Once established it is remarkably tolerant of dry shade, which sets it apart from most ferns. Plant it in humus rich soil that stays moist but drains freely, water it in well, and group three or more together for a natural woodland effect.

The plants are supplied as established 11cm root balls, ready for planting out.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Holly fern, Fortune's holly fern
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 30cm to 60cm tall by 30cm to 60cm wide
• Growth Habit: Clump forming, with gracefully arching fronds
• Perfect For: Shaded borders, woodland gardens, underplanting, containers and north facing areas
• Foliage: Glossy, dark green, leathery fronds with holly like leaflets, held all year
• Flowering Time: None. Ferns carry no flowers and spread by spores.
• Planting Position: Partial shade to full shade, sheltered from wind in soil that stays moist. Grows well in a container.
• Soil Type: Moist, humus rich soil that drains freely. Dig in leaf mould or garden compost when planting.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy. It comes through a British winter outdoors without protection, and the source rates it RHS H5, hardy to minus 15 degrees.
• Maintenance: Low. Cut away old or tired fronds in early spring before the new ones unfurl, and mulch in spring to hold moisture in.
• Seasonal Interest: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
• Type: Hardy evergreen fern