Cyrtomium fortunei: an evergreen fern ideal for shaded areas

Cyrtomium fortunei, often known as holly fern, is an Asian fern particularly prized for its evergreen, leathery and highly distinctive foliage. Native mainly to Japan, China and Korea, this species belongs to the Dryopteridaceae family and is characterised by its hardiness and its ability to adapt to various shaded environments.

Introduced to Europe in the 19th century by the botanist and explorer Robert Fortune, after whom it is named, this fern quickly found its place in shaded gardens thanks to its exotic appearance and hardiness. It is sometimes confused with Cyrtomium falcatum, a closely related species, but is generally distinguished by its more supple, duller fronds and greater resistance to cold.

A hardy and ornamental fern

Cyrtomium fortunei forms a dense clump of evergreen fronds that can reach between forty and sixty centimetres in height, depending on growing conditions. Its matt green foliage is sometimes reminiscent of holly or mahonia, which explains its common name, ‘holly fern’.

This fern particularly thrives in cool, humus-rich and well-drained soil. It grows best in shade or partial shade and tolerates the cold relatively well, down to around -15°C once it is well established.

Thanks to its elegant habit and evergreen foliage, it fits easily into:

• Japanese gardens
• shaded flowerbeds
• cool rockeries
• woodland
• shaded terraces in pots

Cyrtomium fortunei in terrariums and paludariums

Although this species is larger than many tropical ferns used in terrariums, it can be grown in large, open terrariums, paludariums or well-ventilated, humid plant displays.

It thrives in relatively high humidity but does not tolerate overly confined or stagnant environments, which encourage the development of fungal diseases on the fronds.

Its thick, structured foliage adds a very striking visual element to tropical arrangements, particularly when combined with mosses, Selaginella or small araceae.

An easy-to-grow fern

Cyrtomium fortunei is generally regarded as a hardy and accessible fern, even for beginners. Once well established, it requires little maintenance and remains decorative for much of the year.

Like many terrestrial ferns, it also helps to maintain good soil moisture levels and contributes to creating a favourable microclimate in shaded areas of the garden.

To find out more about growing ferns and plants from damp woodland, you can also check out our guide to terrariums and tropical plants on the blog.

(Main taxonomic source: Plants of the World Online – Kew Gardens)