Variegated Holly Fern Arachniodes simplicior 'Variegata'
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- a-rack-nee-OY-dees sim-PLIH-see-or vay-ree-eh-GAY-ta
- Description
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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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Fern
- Ground Cover
- Houseplant
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
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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
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Fruit:
- Fruit Description:
- No fruit; reproduces via spores
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Flowers:
- Flower Description:
- No flowers.
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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).
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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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
