Overview
Polystichum lonchitis is a tufted ferns in the genus Polystichum, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Polystichum lonchitis grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Polystichum lonchitis is a species of fern known by the common name northern hollyfern, or simply holly-fern. It is native to much of the Northern Hemisphere from Eurasia to Alaska to Greenland and south into mountainous central North America. It has stiff, glossy green, erect fronds and grows in moist, shady, rocky mountain habitats. In the garden it prefers full shade and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in moist, humus-rich soil in shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polystichum lonchitis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Polystichum
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Polystichum lonchitis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Polystichum lonchitis
- Propagation
- Sowing spores, Division of rhizomes, Bulbils
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free outdoors
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Polystichum lonchitis?
Polystichum lonchitis prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Polystichum lonchitis need?
Polystichum lonchitis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Polystichum lonchitis hardy in the UK?
Polystichum lonchitis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Polystichum lonchitis?
Sowing spores, Division of rhizomes, Bulbils.
More in the Polystichum genus
- Polystichum aculeatumhard shield fern
- Polystichum craspedosorum
- Polystichum nepalense
- Polystichum polyblepharumJapanese lace fern
- Polystichum vestitum
- Polystichum lentum
- Polystichum mohrioides