Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
24 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moist
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Polystichum makinoi is an evergreen fern characterized by its finely divided, dark green fronds that form a dense, upright clump, providing a lush, textured foliage display in shaded garden areas. This species is notable for its tolerance of dry shade and its ability to maintain vibrant green foliage throughout the year, making it an excellent choice for low-light, drought-prone conditions.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a shaded location with moist, well-drained soil.
- Tuck fern spores or divisions into soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity, expecting roots in 6 weeks.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
- Prune dead fronds in late winter for a tidy appearance.
Pro Tip
Ensure consistent moisture and avoid direct sunlight for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Prune dead fronds to promote healthy growth
Don't
- Avoid exposing to direct sunlight ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy fertilization
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
Makino's Holly Fern questions
What zones can Makino's Holly Fern grow in?
Makino's Holly Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Makino's Holly Fern deer resistant?
Yes — Makino's Holly Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Makino's Holly Fern bloom?
Makino'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 Makino's Holly Fern need full sun?
Makino's 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
Japanese Tassel Fern
Polystichum polyblepharum
Soft Shield Fern
Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosomultilobum'
Hybrid Shield Fern
Polystichum x hybrida
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Makino'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.
