Christmas Ferns: Light, Maintenance, and Winter Hardiness:

We at TN Nursery get a lot of inquiries about the ever-popular Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides). A perennial and tough plant, native to North America, it is loved for its evergreen foliage and versatility.

If you want to plant Christmas ferns in your garden, below are the top questions to help you cultivate this stunning perennial.

Can Christmas Ferns Live in Sun or Shade?

Christmas ferns live in light to full shade, almost like they live on wood floors. They’ll take some shade, but too much sun will burn their delicate fronds. When planting outdoors, don’t water so much as necessary to avoid drying out the soil. For best results, plant them under trees or in sheltered gardens beds.

Is Christmas Fern Invasive?

No, Christmas fern is not invasive. As a naturalised plant, it thrives in a way that complements other plants and so is an eco-friendly option for your yard. It spreads a slow way, by way of rhizomes, building neat clumping colonies gradually. This controlled habit of growth means it’s a great choice for erosion on slopes and shade without harming the surrounding vegetation.

Can Christmas Fern Survive Winter?

Christmas ferns, yes, are winter-hardy and evergreen, that is, their leaves will remain green even in the cold weather, which gives you year-round interest in your yard. They are adapted to USDA zones 3-9, with cold winters and snow.

For winters that are especially severe, fronds can rest flat against the ground for protection, and will swell again in spring.

How Do You Look After a Christmas Fern?

Christmas fern care is easy: Earth: These ferns like to live in free-draining, moderately acidic soil with lots of organic material. Pruning the soil with compost or leaf mulch recreates their forest floor. During setup, water the soil frequently. They can stand some dry conditions but flourish when moist.

Mulching:

Mulch the soil with organic mulch at the bottom to save water, keep temperature in check, and weeds at bay.

Maintenance:

Christmas ferns are low-maintenance. Grasp dead or broken fronds in late winter or early spring to allow new growth to grow.

Fertilizer:

Fertilizing isn’t really necessary, but if your plants seem to be lame in growth, use a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring to boost them. Christmas ferns are a perennial favourite in any shade garden because they are both beautiful and sturdy.

These ferns are an effective and non-invasive choice whether you’re planting them to anchor a woodland garden, support a slope, or add evergreen interest to shady areas.

Check out our Christmas Fern selection at TN Nursery and let us help you to create a beautiful naturescape with these perennial favourites!