Reference specimenAccession  SKU-00779

Arachniodes simplicior 'Variegata'

Variegated Holly Fern

At a glance
Type
Fern
Hardiness
USDA Zones 6–9
Sun
Part Shade, Full Shade
Soil
Moist, Well-drained
Mature size
Height 3–4 Feet · Spread 3–4 Feet
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Evergreen
Arachniodes simplicior 'Variegata', variegated holly fern, glossy dark fronds with a gold center stripe
Arachniodes simplicior 'Variegata', Variegated Holly Fern at Woodlanders
A plant Woodlanders once offered on our catalogue

This variety is no actively in production in our propagation house and may not return to our catalogue. We maintain this page purely for reference and archival purposes. If you would like to grow this plant, tell us. Your interest helps guide what we bring back.

For a larger installation or commercial project, write hello@woodlanders.net.

A bold, handsome fern grown for foliage that holds through the year, Arachniodes simplicior 'Variegata' carries large, glossy, dark green fronds, each division marked down the center with a clean gold stripe. The variegated East Indian holly fern brings a strong, almost architectural texture to the shade garden, and the gold-striped fronds light up a dim corner.

Native to eastern Asia, the fern has naturalized near the Savannah River in Aiken County, South Carolina, a small piece of local botanical interest close to home. Easy and adaptable, the holly fern wants shade or part shade, good soil, and ample water, asking little once settled.

Plant the variegated holly fern in a shaded border, a woodland bed, or beside a path where the gold-striped fronds can be read at close range, lovely among hostas, hellebores, and other shade companions. Evergreen in mild winters, three to four feet across at maturity, and a striking, year-round anchor for the shade.

Design Notes

A bold, gold-striped fern for a shaded border, a woodland bed, or a path side where the variegated fronds can be read at close range, striking among hostas, hellebores, and other shade companions. The variegated holly fern holds its color and texture year round in mild winters and anchors a dim corner with architectural presence.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Foliage. Large, glossy, leathery, dark green fronds with the holly-fern look, evergreen in mild winters and semi-evergreen in cold. Variegation. A clean gold band runs down the center of each frond division, the signature of 'Variegata', brightening shade. Habit. A bold, clumping fern, three to four feet across at maturity, slowly building a strong textural presence.

Care

Light. Part to full shade; protect from hot direct sun.

Soil. Fertile, moist but well-drained woodland soil.

Water. Keep evenly and amply moist; the fern dislikes drying out.

Pruning. Remove tired or winter-burned fronds in late winter before new growth.

Hardiness. USDA zones 6 to 9; evergreen where mild.