Christmas Fern

Year-round

Christmas fern is a tough evergreen fern for shade. It likes rich, well-drained soil and does fine in dry to medium moisture once settled. It is hardy in zones 3 to 9.

• Part to deep shade works, with 2 to 6 hours of direct sun at most.
• Rich, well-drained soil is best.
• Grows 1 to 3 feet tall and wide and spreads slowly.
• Crown rot can happen in soggy soil, especially in winter.

A tidy evergreen fern keeps shady front beds looking neat all year, which is HOA-friendly.

Fall

Fall is a good time to plant. Let leaves fall on it and rake the heavy ones off.

• Plant or divide in early fall.
• Water new ferns until the ground freezes.
• Lift heavy leaf piles off the crown.
• Leave green fronds in place.

Winter

The green fronds stay up in winter, which gives the bed color. Keep the crown from sitting in cold wet soil.

• Do not cut the green fronds.
• Check for standing water over the crown.
• Skip watering when frozen.
• Trim old brown fronds in early spring.

Spring

Spring is when new fronds uncurl. Tidy up and feed the soil, not the plant.

• Cut off any tattered old fronds before new ones open.
• Top-dress with a little compost.
• Water new plants weekly until they settle.
• Do not cover the crown with mulch.

Summer

Summer needs little. Keep the soil from baking dry, but never soggy.

• Water deeply in dry spells.
• Shade from trees makes this plant happiest.
• Leave the fronds alone even if some brown.
• Watch for soggy spots where the crown could rot.

Year-round

Christmas fern wants shade, good drainage and some moisture. Once happy, it is very low work.

• Plant in shade or dappled light. Too much sun can leave it pale and stunted.
• Use acidic, humus-rich soil that drains well.
• Keep it moist while it is getting established.
• Avoid soggy spots, since crown rot can develop in poorly drained soil.
• It stays green all year and spreads slowly.

Fall

Fall needs little. Keep the soil from drying out and let the plant stay as is.

• Fronds stay glossy and green into winter.
• Keep the bed moist but not waterlogged.
• Fall is a fine time to plant, then water until settled.

Winter

This fern is evergreen, so it keeps its look in winter. Drainage matters most now.

• Fronds stay green through winter.
• Avoid waterlogged soil in winter, which can cause crown rot.
• Some stiff fertile fronds die back in winter. That is normal.

Spring

Spring is a good time to plant or divide and keep the soil moist.

• Water new plants so the soil stays moist.
• Division is one way to make more plants.
• Keep it in shade. Strong sun can stress the fronds.

Summer

Summer heat is the stress test. Shade and steady moisture keep it looking good.

• Keep it moist, cool and shaded.
• Pale, stunted fronds point to too much sun.
• Water in dry spells, since it prefers some moisture even when established.