Cyrtomium fortunei (Phanerophlebia fortunei) var. clivicola netvein holly fern


This fern is close relative to cyrtomium falcatum (Japanese holly fern). It is hardier and its leaves are not glossy. They are light to dull green, erect, pinnate with sickle-shaped leaflets. It likes acidic, humus-rich soil that is light and always moist. It does best planted in shade or semi-shade. Holly ferns can tolerate some direct sunlight but, unfortunately, not in dry continental climate. Leaves are evergreen down to about -15°C, in lower temperatures they show frost damage. In the spring cut off all last-year leaves to encourage new and healthy growth.