Japanese Climbing Fern
Lygodium japonicum
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
1080 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan, China, Korea
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Lygodium japonicum is a climbing fern with wiry, twining fronds that can grow to great lengths, creating a dense, lacy screen. The fronds are finely divided, giving them a delicate appearance. This fern is extremely vigorous and is listed as a noxious, invasive weed in the southeastern U.S. and other parts of the world. Its ability to rapidly cover and smother native vegetation makes it a significant ecological threat. It should not be planted in these regions.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores into moist, well-drained soil in spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for optimal growth.
- Provide partial shade in hot climates.
- Mist fronds regularly to mimic humidity.
- Support climbing with a trellis or fence.
- Expect new growth in 4-6 weeks.
Pro Tip
Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Provide filtered partial shade
- Prune dead fronds in late winter
Don't
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Skip overwatering in winter
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spray | ||||||||||||
| 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
Japanese Climbing Fern questions
What zones can Japanese Climbing Fern grow in?
Japanese Climbing 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 Japanese Climbing Fern deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Japanese Climbing Fern, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Japanese Climbing Fern bloom?
Japanese Climbing Fern typically blooms in mid-summer through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Japanese Climbing Fern need full sun?
Japanese Climbing Fern does best in part shade.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Japanese Climbing 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.
