Fern, Christmas
Christmas Fern
Polystichum acrostichoides
- Height: Typically 12–18 inches tall in Michigan’s cooler climate
- Spread: Approximately 18–24 inches wide
- Spacing: Plant 18–24 inches apart for a neat, textural clump
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Evergreen
- Native to North America
Description
Christmas Fern offers a stunning display of lush, evergreen foliage that remains beautifully vibrant all year long. Its dark, polished fronds, with their pleasing, leathery texture, create a refined splash of natural elegance in shaded landscapes. Perfectly sized for Michigan’s cooler climate, this fern is ideal for woodland borders, shady landscapes, or container displays where a tidy, understated accent is desired. Although it does not produce significant blooms or edible fruit, its consistent, gorgeous green fronds provide a satisfying, refreshing presence even in the depths of winter.
General Care
- Sunlight: Thrives in partial to full shade, requiring at least 4–6 hours of filtered light daily to maintain its finest foliage.
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter to support steady growth.
- Watering: Provide consistent moisture throughout the growing season to promote robust health, while ensuring the soil does not become waterlogged.
- Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and stabilize soil temperatures, leaving a small gap around the clump for optimal airflow.
- Pruning: Remove dead or browning fronds in early spring to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage the emergence of fresh, appealing growth.
Christmas Fern adds a beautiful, enduring accent to Michigan landscapes, delivering a refreshing and elegant evergreen display that uplifts any shaded setting all year round.