Illustrative photo.
Polystichum makinoi Makino's holly fern
size/type
mid-sized perennial,mid-sized perennial
usual height
0,4-0,5m
usual width
0,5-0,6m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
location
semi-shade to shade
soil type
neutral to alkaline
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist but well-drained
USDA zone (lowest)
5 (down to -29°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Polystichum
There can be a confusion about the English common name holly fern as it refers to more than one genus which is rather misleading. It is always best to differentiate ferns by their Latin names for scientific works and papers. Especially in a genus as large as polystichum which consists of about 500 species. Most of them are Asian taxons and 208 alone are of Chinese origin. Makino’s holly fern was named in honour of so-called Japanese father of botany Tomiatro Makino (1862-1957). He was a prolific botanist who named about 2500 plants and discovered about 600 new species.Description of the plant:
Makino's holly fern is an evergreen fern whose native habitat is much of Asia, from India and Myanmar (Burma), Bhutan, China, Nepal, Tibet, North and South Korea to Japan. It is a very beautiful fern which makes up to 60 cm long fronds of bipinnate leaves. They are upright as they emerge and become arching as they mature. They are evergreen, bright green and glossy. The individual pinnae are so conspicuously separated from each other as if margined deep green, but this is only an optical illusion. However, there is a true contrast of the dark purple midribs and stalks.Makino's holly fern is a woodland species that lives in light to deep shade with plenty of moisture or air humidity, but well-drained soil. Most polystichum species prefer alkaline soil but they can also get used to slightly acidic soil if rich in nutrients. Although evergreen, we always recommend removing all foliage just above ground level after winter, letting the entire plant re-grow and form new and healthy leaves. Hardy to min. -30 ° C (USDA zone 5), perhaps more.
Last update: 09-06-2024
WANT TO TRY A SIMILAR PLANT?
