Cyrtomium fortunei- Hardy Japanese Holly Fern RHS AGM

Cyrtomium fortunei – Fortune's Holly Fern

Cyrtomium fortunei, commonly known as Fortune's Holly Fern or Japanese Holly Fern, is a distinctive evergreen to semi-evergreen fern prized for its bold, architectural foliage. Unlike traditional finely divided ferns, it produces upright, arching fronds with broad, leathery, slightly toothed green leaflets resembling holly leaves.

Native to East Asia, this attractive woodland fern forms an elegant, shuttlecock-shaped clump, typically reaching 60–100 cm high and 50–75 cm wide.

Thriving in partial to full shade, it prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil and a sheltered position.

Ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, sheltered courtyards and containers, its unusual foliage provides striking contrast alongside hostas, epimediums and more delicate ferns. An excellent choice for adding structure, texture and year-round interest to sheltered Irish shade gardens.

RHS AGM: Award of Garden Merit.