Cyrtomium fortunei
Best low-maintenance evergreen for gardeners seeking reliable shade-loving foliage.
The Japanese Holly Fern, Cyrtomium fortunei, is an evergreen perennial perfectly suited for moist, shady environments, even those experiencing harsh winters. Native to East Asia, this fern offers elegant form and consistent green color year-round, making it a reliable shade border mainstay. It features compact, neat fronds with small leaves unfurling in spring with a pale green hue that deepens over time. Reaching about two feet tall and 16 inches wide, it thrives in consistently moist, well-drained soil and handles hot, humid summers beautifully. This dependable plant is highly recommended for its low-maintenance nature and enduring visual appeal.
$14.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 3024
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-46%
Below average
SKU
36369
Who it's for
- Designers looking for bold, architectural texture in woodland beds
- Gardeners seeking year-round greenery in colder climates
- Landscapers managing difficult, dry shade under mature trees
Who should skip it
- Busy gardeners unable to provide consistent initial watering
- Indoor plant owners wary of monitoring for common pests
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, dense ground cover
Performance breakdown
Climate Adaptability
Thrives across a broad range of zones from five through nine.
Maintenance Requirements
A low-effort perennial that demands very little from the average gardener.
Year-Round Appeal
Evergreen foliage ensures the garden maintains structure during dormant winter months.
Shade Tolerance
Perfectly suited for filling dark, moist corners where other plants struggle.
Growth Consistency
Predictable sizing makes planning borders and container arrangements straightforward and simple.
Visual Texture
Elegant fronds provide a sophisticated, matte contrast to broader leaf plants.
Key Specs
SKU
36369
Genus
Cyrtomium
Species
fortunei
Item Form
1-Quart
Mature Height
2 Feet
Mature Width
16 in
Hardiness Zones
5 - 9
Shipping Restrictions
GU, HI, PR, VI
Features
- Evergreen foliage provides year-round interest
- Tolerates harsh winters and hot, humid summers
- Offers elegant form with closely set pinnae on long fronds
- Understated, matt shade of green complements surrounding plants
- Suitable for large plantings, small groupings, borders, and containers
- Begins spring with pale green fronds that mature to a deeper green
- Considered an Easy Care Plant
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Cyrtomium fortunei upon arrival. Reviewers frequently note the plants are robust, well rooted, and larger than expected, making the initial investment feel worthwhile. The primary theme is reliability; this fern establishes quickly and proves highly adaptable, thriving even in challenging shade spots. It offers dependable evergreen color, making it a reliable foundation plant for the garden and a favorite for its ease of use.
Know before you buy
Yes, this is an evergreen perennial. It will maintain its foliage and color year-round, even in colder climates within its hardiness range.
Cyrtomium fortunei thrives in shady environments. It is best suited for areas with filtered light or full shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or north-facing borders.
Since this fern reaches a mature width of 16 inches, you should space them at least 16 to 18 inches apart if you want them to grow into a continuous, neat border.
Absolutely. Its compact, elegant form makes it well-suited for containers, provided you use a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil consistently moist.
Not at all. It is considered an easy-care plant that is highly resilient, handling both harsh winters and hot, humid summers with minimal intervention once established.
Yes, the fronds emerge in the spring with a soft, pale green hue. As the season progresses, the foliage matures into a deeper, richer shade of green.
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$15