Product Description
Cyrtomium falcatum 'Rochfordianum'
Common name: Japanese Holly Fern
Zones 6 to 10, Part shade to full shade.
Semi evergreen in cooler zones.
Height and spread of 1.5 to 2 feet. Older plants may reach a four-foot spread.
Large 2 feet tall vase-shaped fronds with spreading, glossy, leathery, coarsely-fringed, holly-like, dark-green, pinnae is one of the most popular ferns due to its hardiness and beautiful distinctive shape. Its new fronds are four to seven inches wide, which form a vase like crown. Two-foot fronds have up to 14 pairs of glossy leaflets.
This hardy deciduous fern is easy to grow in organically rich, medium to wet, well-drained soils. If the frond edges become scorched or crispy, the soil may be too dry. Add 2 to 3 inches of compost or peat moss to the beds each spring or fall. Best frond color occurs in light shade. Use in containers, as a ground cover or for borders in woodland, shady locations.
Cyrtomium falcatum 'Rochfordianum', also known as Rochford's Holly Fern, is a beautiful and distinctive fern that adds a touch of elegance to any shade garden. Here is a closer look at this charming plant:
Appearance:
- Fronds: 'Rochfordianum' boasts glossy, dark green fronds that are deeply lobed, giving them a unique, holly-like appearance. The lobes have a slightly toothed or fringed margin, adding to their texture and visual interest.
- Growth Habit: This fern forms a dense, vase-shaped clump, typically growing to about 18-24 inches tall and wide. It has an upright and elegant growth habit, making it a great choice for adding structure to a shaded area.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: 'Rochfordianum' thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers a location with dappled sunlight or shade for most of the day.
- Soil: This fern prefers moist, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. It can tolerate some dryness once established, but it is important to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during its first year.
- Hardiness: It is generally hardy in USDA Zones 6-10, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Special Features:
- Unique Foliage: The holly-like fronds of 'Rochfordianum' are its most distinctive feature, adding a touch of texture and interest to the shade garden.
- Evergreen: In warmer climates, this fern is evergreen, providing year-round beauty.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, 'Rochfordianum' is a relatively low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care.
- Deer Resistant: Ferns are generally not a favorite of deer, making 'Rochfordianum' a good choice for gardens where deer are a problem.
Uses in the Garden:
- Woodland Gardens: 'Rochfordianum' is a natural choice for woodland gardens, where it can thrive in the dappled shade and moist soil.
- Shade Borders: It can be used to add texture and interest to shaded borders, where its unique foliage will stand out.
- Container Gardening: Its compact size makes it suitable for container gardening, allowing you to enjoy its beauty on patios or balconies.
- Ground Cover: 'Rochfordianum' can be used as a ground cover in shaded areas, creating a lush and green carpet.
Tips for Growing Cyrtomium falcatum 'Rochfordianum':
- Planting: Plant in a shaded location with moist, well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its fertility and drainage.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year. Once established, it can tolerate some dryness, but it is best to water it regularly during dry spells.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring as new growth begins.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations.
- Pruning: Remove any dead or damaged fronds to keep the plant looking tidy.
Overall, Cyrtomium falcatum 'Rochfordianum' is a beautiful and easy-to-grow fern that will add a touch of elegance to your shade garden. Its unique foliage, evergreen nature, and low maintenance requirements make it a valuable addition to any landscape.
Ten (10) plants in quart containers per flat (or tray).
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
