Cyrtomium fortunei: Fortune's Holly Fern

If you’re looking for a fern that brings structure and shine to the shaded corners of your garden, Cyrtomium fortunei, commonly known as Fortune’s Holly Fern, is a sophisticated and highly dependable choice. Native to East Asia and celebrated in UK gardens for its glossy, holly-like fronds and upright, architectural form, this striking fern has earned the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit — a testament to its ornamental value, resilience, and ease of cultivation under British growing conditions.

With its elegant silhouette and tough constitution, Cyrtomium fortunei is well-suited to woodland borders, shaded courtyards, and sheltered containers where other plants may falter. Its evergreen nature in milder regions offers a consistent, eye-catching presence year-round, making it an excellent structural plant for all-season interest.

Cyrtomium fortunei forms attractive, upright clumps that grow to a mature height of 45–60cm (18–24 inches) and a similar spread over time. The arching fronds are composed of glossy, leathery leaflets that are distinctly toothed. They are visually reminiscent of traditional holly but far softer to the touch. This unique leaf shape gives the fern a bold, textural quality that contrasts beautifully with smoother, more finely divided foliage in shaded plantings.

The fronds emerge a fresh, vibrant green in spring, gradually maturing to a deeper, lustrous green as the season progresses. Many of these fronds persist into winter in sheltered gardens, maintaining architectural interest when much of the border has retreated.

Cyrtomium fortunei is exceptionally well-adapted to partial to full shade, thriving in cool, sheltered areas where sunlight is filtered or minimal. It performs best in moist, humus-rich soils that offer good drainage, mimicking the leaf-littered conditions of its native woodland habitats. While this fern is relatively drought-tolerant once established, regular moisture is essential during its first growing seasons and throughout periods of prolonged dryness.

Key soil preferences:

• Slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0)
• Moisture-retentive but well-drained soil
• Improved with organic matter such as manure, leaf mould, or composted bark

This fern earns its place in the garden across multiple seasons. In early spring, fresh fronds unfurl with an almost exotic elegance, bringing new energy to shaded borders. The dark green, glossy foliage through summer and autumn adds lushness and contrast, especially alongside matte-leaved perennials.

In mild UK regions, particularly urban or coastal gardens, Cyrtomium fortunei can retain its foliage throughout winter, providing valuable evergreen structure. Even in colder inland areas, where fronds may brown or die back, the plant rebounds strongly with new growth each spring from its sturdy crown.

Cyrtomium fortunei’s glossy texture and upright habit make it a fantastic foil for other shade-loving plants. For a visually pleasing and seasonally diverse display, consider partnering it with:

• Hostas – Their broad, textured leaves provide a soft backdrop for the holly-like fronds.
• Heucheras – Bring colour contrast with vibrant burgundy, lime, or amber foliage.
• Hellebores – Add winter and early spring flowers beneath the fern’s evergreen canopy.
• Pulmonarias – Their silver-speckled leaves and spring blooms complement the fern’s dark green tones.
• Woodland bulbs – Snowdrops, cyclamen, and bluebells enhance seasonal layering.

This combination of bold foliage and seasonal flowers creates a richly textured tapestry, perfect for lower-light planting schemes.

For best results, plant Cyrtomium fortunei in spring or autumn, when soil conditions are naturally moist and temperatures are moderate. This gives the root system ample time to establish before the pressures of summer heat or winter frost.

How to plant:

• Space individual plants at 45cm (18 inches) apart to accommodate mature spread.
• Dig a hole twice the width of the rootball and enrich with well-rotted organic matter.
• Set the crown level with the soil surface and backfill gently but firmly.
• Water thoroughly after planting and mulch with leaf mould or compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

One of Cyrtomium fortunei’s strongest qualities is its low-maintenance nature, particularly once settled into the garden. It requires little intervention to thrive, making it an excellent choice for novice gardeners and seasoned horticulturalists seeking easy-care structural plants.

Maintenance checklist:

• Frond removal: Trim away any brown or damaged fronds in late winter or early spring.
• Mulching: Apply a mulch of compost or leaf mould each spring to improve soil structure and conserve moisture.
• Watering: Maintain regular watering during dry spells, especially in the first year or when grown in containers.
• Feeding: Not usually necessary with annual mulching, but a light spring feed can benefit container-grown specimens.

Cyrtomium fortunei is highly suitable for container cultivation, particularly in shaded courtyards, patios, and balcony gardens. When growing in pots, choose containers at least 30cm (12 inches) deep, with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Container tips:

• Use a loam-based compost such as John Innes No. 3, mixed with grit or bark to aid drainage.
• Keep containers in partially or fully shaded areas, out of direct afternoon sun.
• Water regularly, especially during warm spells, as container-grown ferns dry out more quickly.
• Refresh the top layer of compost annually and repot every few years to rejuvenate root growth.

Fortune’s Holly Fern is well-adapted to the UK’s temperate climate, showing good resilience to cold and wet conditions. It is fully hardy down to –15°C (5°F), though it performs best in sheltered sites protected from harsh winter winds. Consider planting near walls, fences, or dense shrubs in exposed locations for added protection.

Where winter temperatures fall below –10°C, a layer of mulch over the crown can offer added insulation. However, no special winter care is required in most gardens, making this an easy-going addition to the shade border.

Cyrtomium fortunei is generally free from major pests and diseases, and its tough, leathery fronds are less appealing to slugs and snails than other shade perennials. However, the plant may suffer temporary stress during drought or in overly exposed sites.

Look out for:

• Browning fronds during dry weather – increase watering and apply mulch to retain moisture.
• Wind damage in exposed areas – plant in more sheltered conditions to protect foliage.
• Yellowing leaves – may indicate poor drainage or nutrient deficiency; improve soil or feed lightly in spring.

I’ve always had a soft spot for plants that quietly get on with the job — no drama, no fuss — and Cyrtomium fortunei is one of those steady performers I repeatedly recommend. In my garden, it’s nestled beneath a mature hazel where little else copes, yet it still looks pristine all year round. I love how those glossy, holly-like fronds catch the light, even on the dullest winter day. It’s a fern with real presence — bold enough to stand alone, but also the perfect partner to softer shade-lovers like hostas or pulmonarias. Whether you’ve a tricky corner that needs livening up or you’re simply after something elegant and easy, this fern won’t let you down. Once you grow it, you’ll wonder how your shade border ever managed without it.

Cyrtomium fortunei is more than just a pretty frond. It offers distinctive architectural form, glossy evergreen foliage, and remarkable versatility across shaded settings — from traditional woodland borders to modern courtyard pots. Its refined appearance and reliable growth habit provide structure and interest throughout the year, filling a gap where many plants fail to thrive.

Whether designing a calm, foliage-focused corner, building up a collection of shade-loving plants, or simply looking for a low-maintenance, elegant feature, Fortune’s Holly Fern is a plant that delivers. With its bold, holly-like leaflets and RHS-recognised performance, it’s a truly valuable addition to the shaded garden — graceful, dependable, and full of character.

Check out the RHS article here.

Want to learn about other fern varieties? Read about The Scaly Male Fern here.

For more information on ferns for your garden, please check out our guide to ferns for UK gardens.

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 can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F) and adapts well to various climates 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 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.