Cyrtomium fortunei - Evergreen fern

Cyrtomium fortunei, also known as Fortune's holly fern is a very decorative evergreen terrestrial fern that deserves to be better known. This perennial, native to Japan, generously produces its tough fronds, divided into toothed leaflets at the top, in a beautiful matte green colour that brightens up shaded areas and cool rock gardens. While it is quite tolerant of growing conditions, it prefers slightly shaded areas and cool, acidic or slightly chalky soils. Its stump should be protected during harsh winters in very cold regions.

Cyrtomium fortunei, sometimes called Fortune's holly fern or Phanerophlebia fortunei, is a perennial of the Dryopteridaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia (Indochina, China, Japan, Korea) and is sometimes found in Europe, having escaped from gardens.

The plant grows from short upright rootstocks covered in scales and forms a clump of pinnate fronds that can reach a height and width of 40 to 60cm (16 to 24in). Each frond is divided into leaflets that are about ten centimetres long and 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) wide, with undulate edges and toothed tips. They are tough, arranged alternately along the petiole, and resemble those of the Japanese Mahonia. In spring, small brown dots can be observed on the underside of the leaves, regularly arranged; these are the sori, small clusters of reproductive cells that will be dispersed by the wind.

The holly fern is a hardy and relatively easy-to-cultivate plant that will thrive in a sheltered spot away from winds and afternoon sun. It will do well in a rock garden or in a damp woodland, alongside primroses, Solomon's seals, Corydalis flexuosa, and Epimediums. It can also be paired with perennials with metallic reflections such as Heuchera 'Prince of Silver', Lamium 'Pink Pewter' or Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea'.