fern

Fortune's Holly Fern

Cyrtomium fortunei 'Ping Wu'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fern

Height

18 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Cyrtomium fortunei is a hardy evergreen fern with arching fronds composed of leathery, holly-like, matte pale green pinnae (leaflets), creating a bold texture in the shade garden. The cultivar 'Ping Wu' is noted for being particularly compact and cold-hardy. Its distinctive foliage provides excellent year-round structure and texture.

Uses & Benefits:

Lush, evergreen foliage provides year-round greenery in shaded gardens.

Helps retain moisture and prevent soil erosion in shaded areas.

Provides shelter for small woodland creatures and insects.

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-draining soil in spring.
Keep soil consistently moist and shaded during initial growth.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
Transplant when established, avoiding root disturbance.
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Monitor for pests and diseases regularly.

Pro Tip

Provide shade and consistent moisture for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture
Prune dead or damaged fronds in early spring
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent fungal issues
Avoid heavy, poorly-drained soils

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderEvergreen groundcoverContainer plant for shaded patio

Companion Plants

Hosta Astilbe Ferns Japanese maple

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Fortune's Holly Fern questions

What zones can Fortune's Holly Fern grow in?

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 Fortune's Holly Fern deer resistant?

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

Does Fortune's Holly Fern need full sun?

Fortune's Holly Fern does best in part shade.