Species
Polystichum tsus-simenseTsushima Holly Fern1 other cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
A small, evergreen fern forming a shuttlecock-like tuft of finely divided, arching fronds.
Features dark green, lacy fronds with contrasting black stems (stipes), giving it a delicate, elegant appearance. It is well-suited for shade or woodland gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
18 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
East Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Early spring – Late fall
In flower about 9 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck young rhizomes into well-draining soil
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged for 6 weeks
- Mulch around base to retain moisture
- Provide partial shade during hot summer days
- Fertilize in early spring with balanced fertilizer
Pro Tip
Ensure consistent moisture and shade for healthy growth
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Maintain evenly moist soil 🌱
- Provide partial shade in hot climates
- Mulch to conserve soil moisture
- Fertilize annually in spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun 🌞
- Skip fertilizing during winter
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Korean Rock Fern questions
What zones can Korean Rock Fern grow in?
Korean Rock 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 Korean Rock Fern deer resistant?
Yes — Korean Rock Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Korean Rock Fern bloom?
Korean Rock Fern typically blooms in early spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Korean Rock Fern need full sun?
Korean Rock 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 Korean Rock 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.