Festively named and fabulously reliable, Polystichum acrostichoides is the evergreen hero of the shade garden. With leathery, lance-shaped fronds that stay green even in winter, it's like the gift that keeps on giving—minus the tinsel.
Growing 30–60cm tall and wide, this tidy clumper is perfect for woodland borders, shady slopes, or anywhere you need a splash of year-round greenery. Thrives in part to full shade with moist, well-drained soil, and once established, it's tough, drought-tolerant, and delightfully low-maintenance. No carols required—this fern brings holiday cheer all year long.
Wasp32, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
