Cyrtomium x faltideum
fern

Hybrid Holly Fern

Cyrtomium x faltideum

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fern

Height

24 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Hybrid of East Asian species

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

An evergreen fern forming a vase-shaped clump of arching, pinnate fronds. Each frond features several pairs of glossy, leathery, dark green, holly-like leaflets (pinnae). Exceptionally tough and adaptable, this fern tolerates a wide range of soils, dry shade once established, and salt spray. Its bold, coarse texture provides excellent contrast in shade gardens and it is resistant to deer and rabbits.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides lush, evergreen foliage that adds texture and depth to shaded gardens.
Practical UsesHelps retain soil moisture and prevent erosion in shaded areas.
Ecological BenefitsSupports local insect populations with its dense fronds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a shady spot with moist, well-drained soil.
  2. Tuck seeds or divisions into soil in early spring or fall.
  3. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity for 6 weeks.
  4. Keep soil consistently moist during growing season.
  5. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Transplant in early spring if needed after dormancy.

Pro Tip

Maintain consistent moisture and avoid direct sunlight for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist ๐ŸŒฑ
  • Mulch to conserve moisture
  • Prune dead fronds in early spring

Don't

  • Avoid waterlogging the soil โŒ
  • Do not expose to direct sunlight
  • Skip fertilizing during dormancy

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderEvergreen privacy hedgeMoist shaded garden corner

Companion Plants

Hostas Astilbes Japanese Forest Grass Ligularia Ferns

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hybrid Holly Fern questions

What zones can Hybrid Holly Fern grow in?

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

Is Hybrid Holly Fern deer resistant?

Yes โ€” Hybrid Holly Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Hybrid Holly Fern bloom?

Hybrid Holly Fern typically blooms in late fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone โ€” Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hybrid Holly Fern need full sun?

Hybrid Holly Fern does best in part shade.

Is Hybrid Holly Fern drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Hybrid 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.

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