Northern Holly Fern
Polystichum lonchitis
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Northern Holly Fern grows in partial shade and prefers cool rocky calcareous soil. Water needs: Moderate.
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How to Grow Northern Holly Fern
Northern Holly Fern growing information includes sunlight requirements of Partial shade, soil conditions listed as Cool rocky calcareous soil with a soil pH of 6.0-8.0, and Moderate water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 2-7. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Northern Holly Fern as 30-90 days from spores, with planting or establishment depth listed as Surface sow. Days to maturity are listed as 2-3 years.
Plant Overview
Northern Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis) is listed in the Dryopteridaceae family and categorized as a fern with a perennial life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Difficult.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0758
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
- Plant type
- Fern
- Life cycle
- Perennial
- Difficulty
- Difficult
Growing Conditions
Northern Holly Fern is listed for partial shade conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate. The database soil reference is Cool rocky calcareous soil. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-8.0, and the listed hardiness range is 2-7.
- Hardiness zones
- 2-7
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil
- Cool rocky calcareous soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0-8.0
- Water needs
- Moderate
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 30-90 days from spores and the seed depth is Surface sow. The listed time to maturity is 2-3 years. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 30-90 days from spores
- Seed depth
- Surface sow
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 2-3 years
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.