fbpx

Plant Finder Tool

fern

Variegated Holly Fern

Arachniodes simplicior 'Variegata'

Add To My Wish List

 
Variegated Holly Fern (Arachniodes simplicior 'Variegata') at Rainbow Gardens

Variegated Holly Fern foliage

Variegated Holly Fern foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  16 inches

Spread:  26 inches

Sunlight:  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  4a

Description:

A stunning evergreen fern, this variety has tapering ladder like leaves that are variegated, creating spectacular contrast; excellent massed or as groundcover in shaded borders or featured in shady areas of rock gardens

Ornamental Features

Variegated Holly Fern is primarily valued in the garden for its cascading habit of growth. Its attractive ferny compound leaves emerge light green in spring, turning forest green in color with showy yellow variegation the rest of the year.

Landscape Attributes

Variegated Holly Fern is an herbaceous evergreen fern with a shapely form and gracefully arching fronds. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Variegated Holly Fern is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Variegated Holly Fern will grow to be about 16 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 26 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 15 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in partial shade to full shade. Keep it well away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight Soil pH Preference
Characteristics
Massing  Garden  Groundcover  Naturalizing 
Applications
Foliage Color  Texture  Plant Form  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features

Disclaimer - This Plant Finder tool is an online resource representing many of the varieties that we carry over the course of the season, and is intended for informational purposes only. Inventory varies seasonally, so we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times - please contact the store directly for current availability. It does not include our entire selection of plants, so be sure to visit our store to see varieties that may not be represented on this list.