Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern)

Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

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Hardiness Zones:

Botanical Name: Polystichum acrostichoides pol-ISS-tih-kum ak-roe-stik-OY-deez

Common Name: Christmas fern Genus: Polystichum

The Christmas fern is a particularly accommodating garden plant. It is adapted to a wide range of conditions, from very dry to moist, and is hardy to Zone 3. The plant’s 1- to 2-foot fronds are dependably evergreen—hence the common name—but they lie flat on the ground through the winter. Few hardy ferns have more beautiful deep, glossy green foliage.
Noteworthy characteristics: Evergreen; adaptable; glossy foliage.
Care: Very adaptable, but likes full to part shade and fertile, humusy, well-drained soil.
Propagation: Sow spores at 59° to 61°F when ripe. Divide rhizomes in spring. Detach fronds bearing bulbils in autumn.
Problems: Infrequent. Crown rot may occur in poorly drained soils.

Overview
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Height	1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread	1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Pace	Moderate Grower
Light	Part Shade to Full Shade
Moisture	Medium Moisture
Maintenance	Moderate
Tolerance	Frost Tolerant
Characteristics	Native; Showy Foliage
Foliage Color	Evergreen
Uses	, Beds and Borders, Shade, Ground Covers, Rock Garden
Style	, Woodland Garden
Type	,Fern

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