Garden fern - Cyrtomium fortunei var. clavicle

Cyrtomium fortunei var. 'Clivicola' , also known as the "Japanese house fern" or "Fortune's Holly fern", is a cultivar of the species Cyrtomium fortunei in the family Dryopteridaceae. This perennial fern, evergreen in mild climates, is valued for its robust, holly-like foliage, and for its adaptability to shade conditions and varying soils. Native to East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and China, 'Clivicola' is more compact and decorative than the typical species, making it ideal for shady gardens, borders, rockeries, or as a houseplant due to its low-light tolerance.

Appearance of leaves, flowers and fruits

• Leaves : The fronds are pinnate, consisting of 6-10 pairs of shiny pinnules (leaflets), oval-lanceolate in shape, with slightly serrated edges, similar to holly leaves. They are 30-50 cm long and dark green in color, sometimes with a silvery tint on the back. The pinnules are shorter and denser than in the typical species, giving a compact appearance. Young leaves may have a yellowish tinge, maturing quickly to deep green. The texture of the fronds is thick, leathery, giving a robust appearance.
• Flowers : Ferns do not produce flowers, reproduction being achieved through spores.
• Fruits : It does not produce fruit. The spores (sori) are small, round, brownish, arranged in groups on the back of the pinnules, protected by the indus membrane. They are discreetly decorative, but do not represent a major ornamental element.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width : Grows to 30-45 cm tall and 45-60 cm wide , forming a dense, compact rosette with slightly arched fronds. It is shorter than the standard Cyrtomium fortunei.
• Vigor : Slow to moderate growth, with new fronds emerging in spring. It gradually spreads by short rhizomes, forming a neat bush.
• Type : Perennial fern, evergreen in mild climates (zones 7-9) or semi-evergreen in colder areas, where the fronds may suffer winter damage but the rhizomes survive.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers partial shade to full shade , making it ideal under trees, in shady corners, or as an indoor plant. Tolerates low indirect light, making it excellent for low-light spaces. Direct sun can discolor or burn the leaves.
• Soil : Grows in fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.5). Tolerates poorer or clayey soils as long as drainage is adequate. A mixture of compost, garden soil, and perlite is ideal for containers.
• Watering : Water regularly , keeping the soil moist but not soggy. In containers, water when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, usually every 7-10 days. It is more drought tolerant than other ferns, but prefers consistent moisture.
• Temperature : Hardy in zones 5-9 (down to -23°C), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. In colder areas, mulch the rhizomes in winter to protect the roots. Indoors, maintain temperatures between 15-22°C .

Care and resistance

• Hardiness : Very resistant to cold, moderate drought, and pests including deer and rabbits due to thick leaves. Tolerates urban pollution and is less susceptible to disease than other ferns. May be affected by root rot in poorly drained soils.
• Fertilization : Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10), diluted by half, once a month during the growing season (spring-summer). Over-fertilization can lead to discolored leaves.
• Pruning : Remove dead or damaged fronds in spring to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance. Does not require extensive pruning.
• Pests and Diseases : Rarely affected, but may attract snails or slugs in wet gardens. Use organic traps for control. Inspect for mites indoors in dry conditions.
• Propagation : Propagate by dividing the rhizomes in spring, making sure each division has healthy roots and fronds. Propagation by spores is possible, but slow and rarely practiced.

Cyrtomium fortunei var. 'Clivicola' is ideal for shady gardens , woodland landscapes , borders , rockeries or as an indoor plant in containers. Its glossy, holly-like foliage adds texture and elegance when combined with plants such as hosta, astilbe, heuchera or more delicate ferns such as Athyrium. It is suitable for Japanese gardens, shaded spaces near ponds or as an accent plant in dimly lit corners. Indoors, it is excellent for offices or homes due to its low light tolerance and sophisticated appearance.

Origin

Cyrtomium fortunei is native to East Asia , growing in moist forests, on rocky slopes or in shady areas in Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan. The cultivar 'Clivicola' was selected for its compact stature and dense foliage, making it a more ornamental variety than the typical species. The name 'Clivicola' suggests an affinity for slopes or rocky areas, reflecting its adaptability to varied terrain.

Pot diameter: 14 cm

Height with pot included: 30-40 cm

The actual plant size and color vary depending on the season.