A Grower Perspective

What to say about the Japanese Holly Fern? It seems too obvious to mention that the leaves closely resemble holly leaves. But they do, and they are beautiful and not the least bit sharp.

How can you avoid talking about the leaves? The foliage is really what makes this fern such a special landscape plant. New fronds emerge as vivid chartreuse. They eventually turn a bright emerald green and a single frond can grow up to two feet in height. And as an evergreen, this fern and its pretty foliage will be there for you all year round.

Plan to watch this fern grow to about two feet tall and wide. However, older, established ferns can grow as large as four feet across given the right circumstances. These ideal conditions are shade to part sun and well drained soil that is fairly moist. Overall, this is a low maintenance plant that is deer resistant, doesn’t require a lot of light and is very hardy, tolerating wind and salty air.

In the landscape, plant the holly fern with other woodland plants. Perhaps with some natives: red flowering currant, evergreen huckleberry and vine maple. This fern can also be grown in a container, outdoors or in. Or enjoy the fern indoors by clipping some fronds to accent a flower arrangement.