This hardy rhizomatous fern may be deciduous in cold climates and has a low spreading habit. It has dark green fronds with holly-like leaflets (pinnae) that have a leathery texture and the fertile fronds appear during summer.

Hardiness zones 7 to 9

Cyrtomium falcatum is naturally found from southern China to Japan, Korea, Vietnam and India growing in low land regions commonly amongst coastal rocky out crops.

It prefers a semi-shade to sunny wind protected position and grows in well-drained organic rich moist sandy stony soils that are tending acidic with a pH range from 6.1 to 7.8. It is slightly frost tolerant but drought tender and it is rabbit and deer resistant.

The Japanese Holly Fern is grown for its attractive foliage and its hardiness. It is planted in shaded rockeries or around a water feature for a tropical effect and is used in moist gully plantings. It is also grown in pots and tubs and in cold regions it is used as an indoor plant or as a glasshouse specimen.

It is fast growing establishing in 1 to 2 years and is suitable for coastal or inland regions. It is also mass planted as a ground cover under trees or on embankments and is ideal for commercial landscapes requiring a little care. ID 1094

Cyrtomium(sir-TOH-mee-um) falcatum(fal-KAY-tum)

Dryopteridaceae(DRY-op-TER-ee-DAY-see-ee)