Rochford's Holly Fern

Rochford's Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum 'Rochfordianum')

Rochford's Holly Fern is a shade-loving evergreen to semi-evergreen fern with glossy, holly-like leaflets on arching fronds. Its neat, textural clumps bring year-round polish to woodland edges, shaded borders, and containers.

Distinctive Features

Thick, lustrous fronds resist drying winds better than many ferns and hold structure through heat and mild cold. Bold, spiny-edged pinnae read well in deep shade and pair easily with hostas and heucheras.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade; protect from hot afternoon sun.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, humus-rich soil; amend clay with organic matter.
• Water: Keep evenly moist; tolerates brief dry spells once established.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 10.
• Mature Size: 1 to 2 ft tall and 1.5 to 2.5 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Glossy, architectural fronds anchor shaded plantings.
• Shade Borders: Provides evergreen texture under trees and along foundations.
• Woodland Gardens: Naturalizes in dappled light with leaf-litter soils.
• Containers: Performs in pots on shaded patios and porches.
• Groundcover Masses: Close spacing forms a low, polished carpet in shade.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during the first two seasons; reduce frequency once established.
• Pruning: Remove tired or winter-burned fronds in late winter to make room for new growth.
• Fertilizing: Top-dress in spring with compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 inch leaf-mold or bark mulch to conserve moisture and cool roots.
• Notes: Protect from harsh winter winds; generally deer resistant and tolerant of coastal conditions.

Why Choose Rochford's Holly Fern?

• Evergreen Texture: Holds polished foliage when many shade plants go dormant.
• Shade Solution: Thrives where sun-loving perennials struggle.
• Durable Foliage: Thick fronds cope with heat and brief dryness.
• Design Versatility: Equally at home in borders, woodland schemes, and containers.
• Low Input: Minimal grooming keeps clumps tidy year round.

Site in protected shade with rich, well drained soil, mulch annually, and refresh fronds in late winter to keep plants neat and vigorous.