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Arachniodes simplicior 'Variegata'

Phonetic Spelling
a-rack-nee-OY-dees sim-PLIH-see-or vay-ree-eh-GAY-ta
Description

The Indian holly fern is an evergreen, herbaceous perennial in the Polypody family (Polypodiaceae). The species originates from China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. The genus name comes from the Greek word arachne meaning a spider in reference to the spidery aspect of the clusters of spore capsules. The specific epithet is from Latin and means simple or unbranched. 

Grow in part to full shade in moist, acidic, and well-drained soil. However, it can tolerate some wet soil. The height is 1.5 feet and the width range is 1.5 to 3 feet. It spreads by short, creeping rhizomes.

‘Variegata’ is a variegated form that features glossy, lime green fronds with deeply divided subdivisions, highlighted by a showy soft yellow stripe down the midrib of each pinnule (lance-shaped leaflet). This fern remains erect well into the winter but is slow to begin new growth in spring.  

The upright leaves are showy. This fern can be grown in shade gardens and in other areas with dappled to full shade including natural and woodland areas.





















 

VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum.

 

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Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#shade garden#fronds#fern#rabbit resistant#hanging baskets#moist soil#well-drained soil#dappled sunlight#deer resistant#variegated#acidic soils tolerant#wet soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#heavy shade tolerant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#shade garden#fronds#fern#rabbit resistant#hanging baskets#moist soil#well-drained soil#dappled sunlight#deer resistant#variegated#acidic soils tolerant#wet soils tolerant#partial shade tolerant#heavy shade tolerant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Arachniodes
    Species:
    simplicior
    Family:
    Polypodiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    China and Japan
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Tolerates wet soil and heavy shade. Rarely damaged by rabbits. Resistant to deer.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 6 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Fern
    Ground Cover
    Houseplant
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    No fruit; reproduces via spores
  • Flowers:
    Flower Description:
    No flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Fronds
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves have dark green, wavy segments with a yellow-green band running along the pinna axis. The blade is bipinnate; plastic-like texture. This ‘Variegata’ is a variegated form which features glossy, lime green fronds with deeply divided subdivisions, showcased by a showy soft yellow stripe down the midrib of each pinnule (lance-shaped leaflet).
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Rock Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Heavy Shade
    Rabbits
    Wet Soil