| Botanical Name | Cyrtomium falcatum |
| Description | A dependable and structural evergreen for Willis and Houston shade gardens, the 3-gallon 'Holly' Fern provides immediate impact with its bold, leathery texture. Named for its glossy leaflets that resemble holly leaves, this fern is much tougher than its delicate appearance suggests. It handles the Southeast Texas humidity exceptionally well and is more drought-tolerant than many other fern varieties. To ensure success in local clay, plant in a shady spot with rich organic matter and good drainage; it loves a moist environment but will not tolerate "wet feet" during our heavy Houston rain events. |
| Exposure | Full Shade to Partial Shade (Protect from direct Houston afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch) |
| Height x Width | 2-3 ft. Tall x 2-3 ft. Wide |
| Water | Moderate; prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil. Once established, it can handle short dry spells better than most ferns. |
| Zones | 6 - 10 (Reliable evergreen perennial for the Houston metro area) |
| Fertilization | Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support lush, deep-green growth. |
| Pruning | Minimal maintenance required. Remove old, tattered, or winter-damaged fronds at the base in late winter to make room for fresh new growth in spring. |
| Deer Resistance | High |
| Botanical Name | Cyrtomium falcatum |
| Description | A dependable and structural evergreen for Willis and Houston shade gardens, the 3-gallon 'Holly' Fern provides immediate impact with its bold, leathery texture. Named for its glossy leaflets that resemble holly leaves, this fern is much tougher than its delicate appearance suggests. It handles the Southeast Texas humidity exceptionally well and is more drought-tolerant than many other fern varieties. To ensure success in local clay, plant in a shady spot with rich organic matter and good drainage; it loves a moist environment but will not tolerate "wet feet" during our heavy Houston rain events. |
| Exposure | Full Shade to Partial Shade (Protect from direct Houston afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch) |
| Height x Width | 2-3 ft. Tall x 2-3 ft. Wide |
| Water | Moderate; prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil. Once established, it can handle short dry spells better than most ferns. |
| Zones | 6 - 10 (Reliable evergreen perennial for the Houston metro area) |
| Fertilization | Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support lush, deep-green growth. |
| Pruning | Minimal maintenance required. Remove old, tattered, or winter-damaged fronds at the base in late winter to make room for fresh new growth in spring. |
| Deer Resistance | High |