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:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
18 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
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
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Ping Wu Fortune's Holly Fern questions
What zones can Ping Wu Fortune's Holly Fern grow in?
Ping Wu 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 Ping Wu Fortune's Holly Fern deer resistant?
Yes — Ping Wu Fortune's Holly Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
Does Ping Wu Fortune's Holly Fern need full sun?
Ping Wu 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 Ping Wu 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.