I can’t remember ever recommending a particular plant before . . . well, except for LaVille’s Abutilons and Passion Vines. But I have had such success with Holly Ferns, that I can’t help but mention them. I probably have a dozen of these ferns now—on the south side of the house under a solid cover, on the west next to a solid fence, and on the north side near the front of the house. The key element is shade.

The first photo is poor because of the partially blocked winter sun, but in the summer, shade is complete because of a Wisteria overhead. The second photo shows what happened when the hot summer sun snuck around the north side of the house and burned a few leaves. The third photo shows that the weak winter sun shoots under a 12 foot cover to strike the plants. That last photo also shows the yellowing caused by a lack of magnesium in the soil. I recently treated with Epsom salts which will solve the problem for a couple of these plants.

Happy Holly Ferns will spread to an excess of 3 feet. Moisture needs are moderate in well-draining soil, so yes, this is not a native plant if that’s your calling. But if you are an evil lawn lover like me, and have a shady planting area, the Holy Fern may be your dream come true, especially since they seem to be heat and cold tolerant and very low maintenance.

Stan, The Shady Man