Description
Arachniodes simplicior, the East Indian holly fern (from China and Japan), is popular and unique in being one of the few hardy ferns with variegated foliage. Dark green shiny fronds are decorated with a creamy stripe down the middle of the pinnae as well as the midrib of the frond. This evergreen lustrous ornamental fern creeps about via an underground rhizome and sends up 1 to 2 foot fronds at periodic intervals; well-spaced when in full shade and clustered in the bright light which it enjoys. It is not fussy about soil types and stands out as a sparkly ornamental in all garden situations as well as indoors. Try siting it in contrast and complement with pale greens in Zones 7 to 10.
Produced year-round.
