Log in Start trial

Large Leaf Holly Fern

Cyrtomium Macrophyllum

Design with this plant

Overview

The Large Leaf Holly Fern, Cyrtomium macrophyllum, is an evergreen fern that creates a lush, shade-loving ground cover. It typically reaches 2 to 3 feet in width with arching fronds that can extend up to 18 to 24 inches long. Its broad, glossy dark green leaves resemble holly, adding texture to the landscape. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in USDA zones 6-10. Ideal for woodland gardens and shaded borders.

Sun Half, ShadeWater High, MediumZones 7–10Type Fern, ShrubClimate Subtropical

Large Leaf Holly Fern (Cyrtomium Macrophyllum) — shade-loving ground cover

Large Leaf Holly Fern (Cyrtomium Macrophyllum) — is an evergreen fern that creates a lush

Culture

Sun: Half, Shade
Water: High, Medium
USDA zones: 7–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type: Fern, Shrub
Family: Polypodiaceae
Climate: Subtropical

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (2)

Large Leaf Holly Fern (Cyrtomium Macrophyllum) — shade-loving ground cover

Large Leaf Holly Fern (Cyrtomium Macrophyllum) — is an evergreen fern that creates a lush

Photograph: harum.koh from Kobe city, Japan, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source

Related plants

Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — This species is renowned for its lush; the Alaska Fern is low maintenance

Fern

Alaska Fern

Polystichum Setiferum

Deep ShadeUSDA 6–8

Alpine Water Fern (Blechnum Penna-Marina) — fern / ground cover for deep shade or half or shade; it is generally pest and disease-resistant

Fern

Alpine Water Fern

Blechnum Penna-Marina

Deep ShadeUSDA 7–10

Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) — It is also commonly called the Japanese Shield Fern due to its robust nature and, image 32

Fern

Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern

Dryopteris erythrosora

ShadeUSDA 4–10

Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium Nidus) — resembling a bird's nest - hence the name; which is a key identifying feature, image 82

Fern

Bird's Nest Fern

Asplenium Nidus

HalfUSDA 10–11

Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium Aureum) — evergreen fern boasting glaucous; tropical fern that brings a touch of serene beauty to garden spaces with its unique

Fern

Blue Star Fern

Phlebodium Aureum

Brilliance Autumn Fern (Dryopteris Erythrosora 'Brilliance') — The Brilliance Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance') is a vibrant, shade-loving

Fern

Brilliance Autumn Fern

Dryopteris Erythrosora 'Brilliance'