Also known as Holly Fern · 144 saves
Cyrtomium
Cyrtomium, the genus most gardeners know as holly fern. We track 16 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 15 most-saved Cyrtomium varieties
Browse all 16 Cyrtomium varieties →
3 species of Cyrtomium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Cyrtomium in Sow
Save the Cyrtomium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Cyrtomium
Whats common across all Cyrtomium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 16 most-grown of them.
The Cyrtomium year
- DivideMarch and April100% of varieties
Divide large, crowded clumps every 4-5 years in spring or early fall
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March100% of varieties
Remove any brown or damaged fronds close to the base before new growth
- MulchMarch and April81% of varieties
Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool
- PlantMarch, April, September and October44% of varieties
Plant in spring or early fall in well-drained, shaded soil
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged fronds in early spring
Avoid
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds ❌
- Skip fertilizing during dormancy
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
What goes wrong with Cyrtomium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale insects | Sticky honeydew on fronds | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with organic insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing fronds | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
Making more Cyrtomium
Division
- Dig up mature fern in early spring or fall
- Gently separate root clumps into smaller sections
- Plant divisions in prepared shady beds
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Allow 4-6 weeks to establish
Spores
- Collect mature spores in late summer.
- Tuck spores into moist, sterile soil in a shaded tray.
- Keep soil moist and cover with plastic for humidity.
- Wait approximately 6 weeks for germination.
Cyrtomium questions
How many types of Cyrtomium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 16 distinct Cyrtomium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 144 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Cyrtomium grow in?
Across its varieties, Cyrtomium covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Cyrtomium bloom?
Most Cyrtomium varieties bloom in early spring, late fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Cyrtomium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.