Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

This fern remains evergreen even in areas where winter lows fall well below freezing. This plant gets its name, Christmas fern because it continues to look great during the winter holiday season and beyond.
Christmas Ferns are a great addition to cottage, rock, or woodland-style gardens. Plant them on slopes to help with erosion control. They’re deer and rabbit resistant.
They can be used as houseplants as long s they receive adequate humidity and are not placed in front of southern or western-facing windows. They might be happier in the bathroom during the winter when your house is drier.
Quick Facts
Botanical name: Polystichum acrostichoides
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Part-Full shade
Appearance
This fern has dark green triangular-shaped leaflets. In the spring, the new fronds known as fiddleheads emerge covered with white scales that contrast with the older dark green foliage. Christmas ferns grow to be 18 to 24 inches in height and width. They do not spread and form a carpet or ground cover like some other fern varieties tend to do.
The fronds remain evergreen in the winter, but they lie flat on the ground instead of upright and arching as they appear during the growing season.
Growing Conditions
Christmas Fern in Winter with Dead Leaf MulchLike most ferns, this plant prefers rich, moist woodland soil. It will not tolerate growing in standing water. It will grow in rocky soil and even on slopes as long as they are not in full sun. Leave older fronds until they turn completely brown. Divide mature ferns in early spring if you want more plants. Christmas fern is native to eastern North America.
Plant them in your garden in early spring. Set them 18 inches apart and add leaf mulch around the base to deter weeds and retain moisture.
Ferns in spring and summer have foliage intact while in winter months may be cut back and shipped as rhizomes only. Same planting regardless. Ferns size may differ but all are over 2 years. I do not take apart fern clumps so you will get more than one when ordering one, etc. It may just look as one as they are clumped together. These can be split by buyer when planting if desired.