What: Fortune’s holly fern, also known as cyrtomium fortunei, features bold evergreen leaves that offer a striking textural contrast in the garden.
Why plant it: Bold, bright leathery matte-green foliage from this shade lover give a fresh look throughout spring and summer.
Where: Holly ferns are easy to grow and thrive in shade. Fortune’s holly fern will tolerate morning sun, but not too much. Short periods of hot afternoon sun can yellow and burn the foliage.
How: Provide regular water during dry weather and plant it in a rich soil with plenty of compost for the best growth. It will look weathered by late winter and should be cut to the ground in January or February to make way for the fresh foliage of spring.
Actual size: This medium-sized fern’s fronds grow to about 18 inches long in a low and broad vase shape. Mature plants spread to about two feet wide.
Learn more: See www.greatplantpicks.org.
Source: Great Plant Picks
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