Species dwarf holly fern
green foliage and stems

dwarf holly fern

Polystichum luctuosum

Dwarf Holly Fern (Polystichum luctuosum) is an evergreen fern with large, glossy, bright green fronds. Its foliage is dense and it is ideal as a specimen in rock gardens and as a groundcover. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in part-shade to full shade, although it will tolerate some sun. It is widespread in the western United States, Mexico, and Central American mountains. It is popular for its hardy but attractive foliage and easy care. It gives a nice textural element to landscapes and can be trimmed to shape if necessary.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Spore Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Part shade,full shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

watering

Water the dwarf holly fern lightly but thoroughly, keeping the soil evenly moist. In the growing season (spring and summer), water it every 3-4 days. You can cut back on watering to once a week in the cooler season (fall and winter). Be mindful not to overwater; let the soil dry out slightly between watering. Be careful to keep the leaves dry while watering, and avoid wetting the foliage - this may cause the leaves to discolor or rot.

sunlight

Dwarf holly ferns (Polystichum luctuosum) prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate short periods of direct sunlight, but intense exposure over a long period of time will cause burning of the leaves. For ideal growth, provide them with 3 to 4 hours of full, indirect sunlight each day. During the morning, the light should shine brightly against the east or south facing window, but late afternoon sun through the west or southwest window should be avoided.

pruning

The Dwarf Holly Fern (Polystichum luctuosum) should be pruned once a year, typically from late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done to remove any dead or damaged fronds, as well as any fronds that have outgrown their space. First, cut off any fronds that are brown or yellowing, then cut off any fronds that are too long, tall, or that have grown from the center of the plant. Use sharp pruners or garden shears to make clean cuts. When pruning, you should also check for any pests or disease and treat accordingly. Discard any fronds that you remove in a compost pile. Pruning the dwarf holly fern will encourage healthy, lush growth.

Hardiness Map