2 named cultivars
The Story
Plant Bio
Polystichum tsus-simense, commonly known as the Tsushima Holly Fern or Korean Rock Fern, is a small, evergreen fern. It forms a dense, symmetrical clump of arching, dark green, bipinnate fronds with a somewhat stiff, leathery texture.
Distinctive for its compact size and finely-textured, glossy fronds. The stems (stipes) are covered in conspicuous blackish scales, providing a subtle contrast. It is highly valued for its adaptability to shade and use in small-scale plantings like rock gardens or containers.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
15 inches
Width
15 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium moisture, well-drained soil
Humidity
Prefers high humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
East Asia (Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan)
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores or divisions into moist soil in spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist.
- Mist fronds during dry spells for best health.
- Place in shaded area with indirect light for optimal growth.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer in spring.
Pro Tip
Ensure consistent moisture and shaded location for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Place in shaded or partly shaded areas
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Feed with balanced fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy, poorly drained soils
- Don’t prune fronds in late fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Tsushima Holly Fern questions
What zones can Tsushima Holly Fern grow in?
Tsushima Holly Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Tsushima Holly Fern deer resistant?
Yes — Tsushima Holly Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Tsushima Holly Fern bloom?
Tsushima 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 Tsushima Holly Fern need full sun?
Tsushima Holly Fern does best in part shade.
More Polystichum to compare
Western Sword Fern
Polystichum munitum
Christmas Fern
Polystichum acrostichoides
Soft Shield Fern
Polystichum setiferum
Makino's Holly Fern
Polystichum makinoi
Japanese Tassel Fern
Polystichum polyblepharum
Plumosomultilobum Soft Shield Fern
Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosomultilobum'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Tsushima Holly Fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.