Species

Cyrtomium falcatumJapanese Holly Fern

1 other cultivar

‘Rochfordianum’Rochfordianum Japanese Holly Fern

fern

Butterfieldii Japanese Holly Fern

Cyrtomium falcatum 'Butterfieldii'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cyrtomium falcatum 'Butterfieldii' is a hardy evergreen fern with gracefully arching, pinnate fronds that display a rich green hue and a compact, clumping habit ideal for shaded garden areas.

Distinguished by its finely cut, serrated pinnules (leaflets) which give the fronds a delicate, lacy, and almost crested appearance compared to the straight species.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds lush, evergreen texture to shaded gardens, providing year-round visual interest.

Prefers moist, well-drained soils, helping to prevent erosion in garden beds.

Provides habitat and cover for small garden wildlife.

SpeciesCyrtomium falcatumJapanese Holly Fern

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fern

Height

24 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic to pets

Bloom period

Early spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck spores into moist, well-drained soil in spring.
Keep soil consistently moist during active growing season.
Mist fronds regularly to increase humidity.
Mulch around base to retain moisture.
Transplant if necessary in early spring after last frost.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years for rejuvenation.

Pro Tip

Maintain consistent moisture and avoid direct sunlight for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to conserve soil moisture
Prune dead or damaged fronds in early spring

Don't

Avoid overexposure to direct sunlight ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Avoid heavy fertilization that can scorch roots

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland gardenEvergreen borderMoisture-loving groundcover

Companion Plants

Hosta Astilbe LigulariaFerns Japanese Maple

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Butterfieldii Japanese Holly Fern questions

What zones can Butterfieldii Japanese Holly Fern grow in?

Butterfieldii Japanese Holly Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Butterfieldii Japanese Holly Fern deer resistant?

Yes — Butterfieldii Japanese Holly Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Butterfieldii Japanese Holly Fern bloom?

Butterfieldii Japanese Holly Fern typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Butterfieldii Japanese Holly Fern need full sun?

Butterfieldii Japanese Holly Fern does best in part shade.

Is Butterfieldii Japanese Holly Fern drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Butterfieldii Japanese Holly Fern handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.