The Story
Plant Bio
Cyrtomium fortunei is an evergreen fern with arching fronds composed of holly-like, leathery, dark green pinnae (leaflets), creating a lush and graceful texture in shaded garden areas.
This species is noted for its tolerance of dry shade once established and its distinctive, bold-textured foliage that provides year-round interest.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
18 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moist
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Early spring – Early fall
In flower about 7 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck cuttings into moist soil, keep consistently damp, for 6 weeks.
- Mist fronds regularly to maintain humidity.
- Place in partial shade with indirect sunlight.
- Water deeply when topsoil feels dry.
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
- Fertilize with a balanced fern fertilizer every spring.
Pro Tip
Keep soil moist and provide indirect light for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Fertilize during active growth
Don't
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds ❌
- Do not allow soil to dry out
- Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent fungal issues
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Feliciana Fortune's Holly Fern questions
What zones can Feliciana Fortune's Holly Fern grow in?
Feliciana Fortune's 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 Feliciana Fortune's Holly Fern deer resistant?
Yes — Feliciana Fortune's Holly Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Feliciana Fortune's Holly Fern bloom?
Feliciana Fortune's Holly Fern typically blooms in early spring through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Feliciana Fortune's Holly Fern need full sun?
Feliciana Fortune's Holly Fern does best in part shade.
More Cyrtomium to compare
Giant Holly Fern
Cyrtomium fortunei 'Ulleung Island'
Japanese Holly Fern Green Tea
Cyrtomium fortunei 'Green Tea'
Japanese Holly Fern
Cyrtomium fortunei var intermedium
Hybrid Holly Fern
Cyrtomium x faltideum
Fortune's Holly Fern
Cyrtomium fortunei
Large-leaf Holly Fern
Cyrtomium macrophyllum
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Feliciana Fortune's 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.