Polystichum 'Christmas Fern'

Polystichum acrostichoides: Christmas Fern

Evergreen, resilient, and deeply rooted in North American woodland landscapes, the Christmas Fern is a cornerstone of the shade garden. Its glossy, dark green fronds form tidy, arching clumps that provide reliable structure and lush texture through all seasons. Named for its ability to stay green into winter, Polystichum acrostichoides brings quiet beauty and natural elegance to the understory—thriving where many other perennials fade, including dry shade and rocky soils.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: None (foliage plant)
• Flowering Period: N/A
• Foliage: Dark green, leathery, evergreen fronds with a slightly toothed edge
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist to dry, well-drained woodland soils; tolerant of clay and rocky ground

Uses and Benefits: Christmas Fern is a valuable evergreen for shaded slopes, woodland borders, and beneath mature trees. Its fibrous roots help prevent erosion, while its year-round foliage provides winter interest and dependable garden structure. It mixes easily with native and ornamental shade plants, and is both deer resistant and drought tolerant once established—making it ideal for low-maintenance designs and ecologically supportive plantings alike.

Companion Plants: Surround Polystichum acrostichoides with the warm, apricot-toned foliage of Heuchera 'Toffee Tart', the soft green leaves and springtime foam flowers of Tiarella cordifolia, and the golden, flowing blades of Hakonechloa macra. This quartet offers year-round interest through layered texture, subtle movement, and a harmonious palette.

Care Instructions: Water regularly during the first season to establish deep roots. Once settled, this fern tolerates dry shade and performs well with minimal maintenance. Cut back old or weather-worn fronds in late winter before new growth emerges. Enrich soil annually with compost or shredded leaves to support vigour and moisture retention.

History: Native to eastern North America, Polystichum acrostichoides has long been cherished for its adaptability and ornamental value. Its common name refers to its evergreen fronds, historically harvested for holiday décor. It remains a foundational species in native and woodland gardens today.

Final Thoughts: Quietly beautiful and reliably tough, the Christmas Fern brings structure, texture, and four-season presence to shaded spaces. It’s a garden classic—understated, enduring, and always welcome.