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Christmas Fern Plants for Sale Online
The Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) is an evergreen perennial that gets its name from its ability to maintain its vibrant green color throughout the Christmas season.
The leathery, glossy fronds climb up in clusters that emerge from a crownless rootstock. These fern clusters can reach up to 2 feet long and spread in a fountain-like habit. In the spring, young fronds appear silvery before developing into the showy leaf.
Native to Eastern North America, the bare root Christmas fern is best as a ground cover, in a container, or in mixed shaded gardens. It is very easy to establish when planted in moist, well-draining, sandy soil. In these conditions, it can be an evergreen plant. Flourishes in hardiness zones 3 through 9.
| Growing Zone | 3-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 1 to 2 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 1 to 2 Feet |
| Classification: | Green foliage |
| Sunlight: | Full to partial shade |
| Habit: | Cascading, spreading |
| Flower Color: | Does not flower |
| Foliage: | Green, flat fronds |
| Soil Condition: | Prefers moist, well-draining or sandy soil |
| Water Requirements: | Does not like to dry out between watering |
| Uses: | Excellent in a mixed wooded garden or along a bank |
How to Care for Christmas Fern Plants
Before you buy a Christmas Fern Plant, make sure to read about the care instructions that are recommended to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
What is the best light for Christmas Ferns?
The Christmas Fern gets stressed when placed in locations with too much sun. This evergreen perennial likes to stay cool and shaded.
How often do I water Christmas Fern Plants?
Christmas Fern likes to stay moist. It does not like to stay or sit in water. If the soil does not drain well, it may create rot problems. Water frequently with well-draining soil.
How do I fertilize Christmas Ferns?
Hold of fertilization during the first growing season. In the second spring and after establishment, apply a light amount of a slightly acidic fertilizer to the soil around the plant. As always, take caution, over-fertilization is much worse than under-fertilization.
What is the best soil for Christmas Fern Plants?
Boston Fern prefers to have moist conditions but thrives in sand soils that drain well. Plants can not stay constantly wet, but do not like to go completely dry either.
