Dwarf Japanese Holly Fern

An attractive little fern for shady parts of the garden, Cyrtomium fortunei var. clivicola is a small, perennial, clump-forming, evergreen fern, with arching, divided, bright olive-green fronds. These have broad, papery, rather holly-like leaflets with a yellowish tinge, brighter in deeper shade. A good fern for underplanting trees and shrubs, on shady slopes and in dark, forgotten areas, it will gently spread where it is suited. Dwarf Japanese holly fern is a low maintenance plant, but not for the coldest areas; protect the crown in mild areas with a mulch in winter.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any moist but well-drained soil
Position: Partial shade to full shade
Season of interest: All year
Hardiness: Slightly tender
Height: 20” (50cm) Spread: 20” (50cm)