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Key characteristics

Family: Dryopteridaceae
Height: 18 to 24 inches
Width: 24 to 36 inches
Flower color: Non-flowering fern
Foliage color: Glossy, dark green, holly-like fronds with coarsely fringed margins
Bloom time: Not applicable
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Average; tolerates drier conditions better than many ferns
Maintenance: Low; remove old fronds as needed
Growing zone: USDA zones 6–10
Wildlife: Not applicable

Perennials

Cyrtomium falcatum 'Rochfordianum'

Rochford's Holly Fern

Cyrtomium falcatum 'Rochfordianum' is an evergreen fern with glossy, dark green fronds that resemble holly leaves. The broad, leathery leaflets have gently serrated edges, giving the plant a bold, textural quality. Unlike flowering plants, this fern reproduces via spores on the underside of its fronds rather than producing blooms. Its elegant, arching foliage provides year-round interest, making it a valuable addition to shaded gardens.

This variety is widely regarded as the easiest Cyrtomium to grow, prized for its adaptability and low-maintenance nature.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Average; tolerates drier conditions better than many ferns

Bloom time

Not applicable

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Containers

Companion plants

Hellebores · Japanese forest grass · Astilbes · Heucheras · Siberian bugloss · Sweet woodruff

Design tip

Use it as a steady framework plant, repeating it along a bed to tie separate plantings together. Cooler light suits it, so tuck it on the north side of a shrub or wall where the soil stays even.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)