The Story
Plant Bio
Cyrtomium fortunei 'Green Tea' is an evergreen fern with arching, pinnate fronds that display a vibrant, bright green coloration, providing a lush, delicate foliage texture suitable for shaded garden areas.
This cultivar is distinguished by its particularly vigorous growth and its ability to maintain bright green foliage throughout the year, adding a fresh, lively appearance to shaded or woodland garden settings.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
18 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Consistent moisture
Humidity
High humidity preferred
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 fern spores or divisions into prepared soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Mist regularly to maintain humidity
- Place in partial to full shade
- Mulch to retain moisture
- Expect growth in 6 weeks
Pro Tip
Keep soil moist and provide shade for best foliage color
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Prune dead or damaged fronds
Don't
- Avoid direct full sun which can scorch fronds ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from over-fertilizing
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
Japanese Holly Fern Green Tea questions
What zones can Japanese Holly Fern Green Tea grow in?
Japanese Holly Fern Green Tea is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Japanese Holly Fern Green Tea deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Japanese Holly Fern Green Tea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Japanese Holly Fern Green Tea bloom?
Japanese Holly Fern Green Tea 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 Japanese Holly Fern Green Tea need full sun?
Japanese Holly Fern Green Tea does best in part shade.
More Cyrtomium to compare

Giant Holly Fern
Cyrtomium fortunei 'Ulleung Island'

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

Fortunately Fortune's Holly Fern
Cyrtomium fortunei 'Fortunately'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Japanese Holly Fern Green Tea 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.






