Christmas Fern

About this plant

Polystichum acrostichoides, commonly known as Christmas Fern, is a beloved native perennial celebrated for its distinctive, leathery, dark green fronds. Its upright growth habit and evergreen nature provide a reliable splash of color and texture through every season, even under snow. Each frond is divided into numerous leaflets that resemble small, festive stockings, hence its charming common name. This resilient fern forms attractive clumps, making it a perfect choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or naturalized areas where it can thrive with minimal intervention. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Christmas Fern plays an important ecological role, providing shelter for small wildlife and contributing to soil stability in its natural habitats. It's an excellent choice for adding a touch of enduring grace and ecological consciousness to your landscape.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Generally low-maintenance once established. Remove any brown or damaged fronds in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth. Requires consistent moisture, especially during dry periods.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.