Holly Fern
Holly Fern is an attractive evergreen fern known for its glossy, holly-like, deer-resistant foliage, which makes it elegant for shaded garden areas. The dark green, leathery leaves are composed of large, serrated leaflets resembling those of a holly plant, giving the fern its unique name. Holly Fern is perfect for creating year-round interest and is an excellent choice for adding structure and texture to woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as a foundation planting in the landscape. Thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-10, this versatile fern is ideal for gardens in temperate to warm climates, where it can bring lush, bold greenery throughout the year.
Holly Fern grows to a mature height of 1.5 to 2 feet with an equal spread, forming a dense clump that serves as a striking accent or ground cover. Its unique foliage makes it a standout addition to container gardens, mixed perennial beds, and shaded foundation plantings. The fern’s thick, arching fronds provide a strong visual contrast against the softer, finer textures of other shade-loving plants such as hostas, ferns, and astilbes. Holly Fern also does well in moist, well-drained soils and benefits from a bit of extra humidity, making it a great choice for areas with consistent moisture, such as near water features or shaded rain gardens.
Aside from its attractive appearance, Holly Fern is also relatively low-maintenance and deer-resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens where browsing is a concern. This fern can tolerate a range of soil types as long as moisture levels are maintained, and it benefits from a layer of mulch to keep the roots cool and damp. Whether used in mass plantings, as a container plant, or as an elegant border addition, Holly Fern provides rich, green color and a unique texture that will enhance any shaded space, offering both visual interest and practical value throughout the year.
