Cyrtomium

( sir - TOH - mee - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of ferns, commonly called Holly Ferns, includes plants which have coarse-textured foliage and are handsome additions to shade gardens. Fronds can reach up to 2 to 3 feet in length. Most species need regular water to perform well in the landscape. They are versatile, low-maintenance ferns that provide year-round texture in woodland or shade gardens, in containers, or when used as groundcover. 

cyrtomium Species and Varietals

The genus Cyrtomium includes around 35 species and is a member of the plant family Dryopteridaceae. It is very closely related to the genus Polystichum. The best growing zones for Cyrtomium vary depending on the species, though they generally prefer USDA hardiness zones 6-10. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Cyrtomium falcatum (Japanese Holly Fern, Holly Fern, House Holly-Fern, Fish Tail Fern, Japanese Netvein Hollyfern)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 6-11 or Sunset growing zones 5-9, 14-24, H1 and H2, and can also be grown as an indoor plant. These ferns are native to Asia, South Africa and Polynesia and have naturalized themselves in Hawai'i. Fronds reach 10 inches wide, and have 3-11 pairs of divisions. Does well as a houseplant. This species is considered highly invasive in the southeastern United States, particularly from Virginia to Florida and western Texas. It has also naturalized in California, Hawai'i, and regions of Australia.

Cyrtomium fortunei (Fortune's Holly Fern, Janapese Holly Fern, Asian Net-Veined Holly Fern)
This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 6-10 or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-24 and is native to China, Japan, and Korea. Fronds reach 6 inches in width and has more finely cut fronds than other species in the genus. This species is considered invasive in the Southeastern United States (Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Cyrtomium macrophyllum (Large-Leaf Holly Fern, Big Leaf Holly Fern, Large-Leaved Cyrtomium)
This species is best in USDA hardiness zones 6-10 or Sunset growing zones zones 7-9 and 13-24 and is native to China and the Himalayas. Fronds are markedly coarse, and have 3-8 pairs of divisions each.

Caring for Cyrtomium

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Cyrtomium, or Holly Ferns, are generally robust plants, though they can have issues from time to time with the following pests and diseases:
  • Scale Insects
  • Mealybugs
  • Mites
  • Slugs
  • Fungal Spot
  • Root Rot
For more information on these pests and diseases, including how to treat and prevent them, consult the following pages:
​

Gallery

These do well in shaded rock gardens.
Grow these low ferns along walkways where their foliage can be admired.
These ferns do well when clumped together, where they can create lush, low areas in the landscape.

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 277 - 278, Cyrtomium