Cyrtomium falcatum (Phanerophlebia falcata)

Japanese holly fern is more often used as a beautiful house plant, however, it is quite hardy to be planted outside in the garden (USDA zone 6 – borderline). It makes upto 60 cm long erect fronds with dark green, very glossy, slightly toothed and sharply pointed (but harmless) pinnae hence its resemblance to hollies. 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 -10°C, in lower temperatures they show frost damage. In regions with harsh winters we suggest cutting shorter leaves and mulching centre of the plant with bark or straw, leaving the longer, erect leaves above the loaf. Then in the spring cut off all last-year leaves to encourage new and healthy growth.