Cyrtomium fortunei: Fortune's Holly Fern
Fortune’s Holly Fern, Fortune’s cyrtomium
Position
- Partial to full shade
- Sheltered from strong winds
- North or east-facing aspects ideal
- Protected from direct afternoon sun
- Woodland settings perfect
- Urban gardens suitable
Hardiness
- Tolerates temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
- Evergreen in sheltered positions
- May need winter protection in exposed sites
- Best in sheltered gardens
Soil Type
- Rich, moist but well-draining soil
- Humus-rich woodland soil type
- Adapts to acidic or neutral pH
- Cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions
- Benefits from organic matter incorporation
Soil PH
- Adapts to acidic or neutral pH
Height
- Height: 45-60cm (18-24 inches)
- Spread: 45-60cm (18-24 inches)
- Takes 3-5 years to reach full size
Seasons of Interest
- Evergreen glossy fronds
- Fresh bright green new growth in spring
- Mature fronds dark green and leathery
- Holly-like leaflets
- Year-round architectural presence
- No flowers (ornamental fern)
Additional Notes
- Excellent for shady borders
- Perfect companion for hostas and heucheras
- Low maintenance once established
- Suitable for containers
- Retains good winter structure
- Regular mulching beneficial
- Avoid overhead watering
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Good for urban gardens
- Works well under trees
- Benefits from annual removal of damaged fronds
- More glossy than typical ferns
- Does well in north-facing aspects
- Tolerates dry shade once established
- Good specimen plant
- Maintains shape without spreading aggressively
- Particularly attractive in winter
- Excellent contrast with other ferns
- Popular in Japanese-style gardens
- Good for small gardens
- Creates year-round structure
Cyrtomium fortunei: Fortune’s Holly Fern
Fortune’s Holly Fern brings distinctive glossy foliage and architectural form to shaded gardens. This Asian native, awarded the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, offers unique appeal with its holly-like leaflets and robust growth habit. The award recognizes its outstanding performance in UK gardens.
Physical Characteristics
Cyrtomium fortunei grows into impressive clumps reaching 45-60cm (18-24 inches) in height. The distinctive fronds display glossy, pointed leaflets resembling holly leaves. Each frond maintains an upright, arching form.
Growing Requirements
This adaptable fern thrives in partial to full shade conditions. It prefers rich, well-draining soil with consistent moisture. The strong root system helps establish permanent plantings in sheltered locations.
Seasonal Interest
Spring brings fresh growth as bright green fronds unfurl. Summer sees the foliage develop a deeper green, glossy finish. Winter interest continues with evergreen fronds in sheltered spots.
Garden Uses
Fortune’s Holly Fern excels in various garden situations. It creates striking focal points in woodland gardens and shaded borders. The distinctive foliage provides excellent contrast against traditional ferns.
Care and Maintenance
This low-maintenance fern needs minimal attention once established. Remove damaged fronds as needed throughout the year. Annual mulching helps maintain soil moisture and adds nutrients naturally.
Planting Tips
Plant in spring or autumn when soil conditions prove most favourable. Space plants 45cm (18 inches) apart to allow for mature spread. Incorporate organic matter during planting.
Soil Requirements
Cyrtomium fortunei adapts to most soil types but prefers rich, well-draining conditions. It grows well in both acidic and neutral soils. Adding leaf mould or garden compost improves growing conditions.
Companion Plants
This fern pairs beautifully with other shade-lovers. Consider combining with hostas, heucheras, and spring bulbs. The glossy fronds provide excellent contrast throughout the growing season.
Container Growing
Though naturally medium-sized, Fortune’s Holly Fern grows successfully in containers. Use pots at least 30cm (12 inches) deep with reliable drainage. Regular watering proves essential.
Problem Solving
This robust fern rarely encounters serious problems. Occasional brown fronds might appear during extended dry spells. Increase watering during drought periods and remove damaged growth.
Climate Tolerance
Fortune’s Holly Fern shows good hardiness, withstanding temperatures down to -15°C (5°F). It performs best in sheltered UK gardens, particularly in urban or coastal areas.
Final Thoughts
Cyrtomium fortunei offers gardeners a distinctive and reliable choice for shaded areas. Its unique foliage, robust nature, and year-round presence make it valuable in various garden settings. This low-maintenance fern brings sophisticated texture and dependable performance to challenging shade conditions.
The combination of holly-like leaflets, glossy texture, and architectural form creates interest throughout the year. Whether in borders, woodland gardens, or containers, Fortune’s Holly Fern proves itself as a worthy addition to any shade garden design.
The fern’s ability to maintain interest through multiple seasons, combined with its easy-care nature, makes it excellent for both novice and experienced gardeners. Its distinctive appearance adds depth and structure to shaded areas where many plants might struggle.
Check out the RHS article here.
For more information on ferns for your garden please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Cyrtomium fortunei grow?
A: Cyrtomium fortunei typically grows to a height of 45-60cm (18-24 inches). Its upright form makes it an attractive choice for shaded areas.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Fortune’s Holly Fern?
A: This fern thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers rich, well-draining soil that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged.
Q: How hardy is Cyrtomium fortunei?
A: Fortune’s Holly Fern withstands temperatures down to -15°C (5°F). It adapts well to various climates found throughout the UK.
Q: When should I plant Cyrtomium fortunei?
A: Plant in spring or autumn when conditions support root establishment. These seasons provide the best environment for healthy growth.
Q: Does it require much maintenance?
A: Once established, Cyrtomium fortunei is low-maintenance. Remove any damaged or brown fronds as needed to encourage fresh growth.
Q: Can I grow it in containers?
A: Yes, Fortune’s Holly Fern can thrive in containers. Use pots that are at least 30cm (12 inches) deep and ensure good drainage.
Q: What companion plants work well with it?
A: Cyrtomium fortunei pairs beautifully with shade-loving plants such as hostas and heucheras. Its glossy foliage complements a variety of other plants.
Q: How quickly does it spread?
A: This fern spreads gradually through its rhizomes. It forms dense clumps over time but does so in a controlled manner.
Q: What should I do if my fern has brown fronds?
A: Brown fronds often indicate dry conditions. Increase watering to provide more moisture and remove damaged fronds to maintain an attractive appearance.
Q: What kind of soil does it prefer?
A: Cyrtomium fortunei adapts to various soil types but prefers rich, well-draining conditions. It thrives in both acidic and neutral soils.