Cyrtomium fortunei var. clivicola

Cyrtomium fortunei var. clivicola, also known as Fortune's holly fern or False Fortune's shield fern, is a very attractive terrestrial and evergreen fern in a not too cold climate, slightly hardier than the type, which deserves to be better known and more widely used in our gardens, as it beautifully brightens up shady and cool areas. Its somewhat exotic appearance is due to its tough, pinnate fronds with toothed tips, a lovely light and matte green, gathered in generous clusters. Fairly tolerant of acidic or low lime soil conditions, it is slightly hardier than the species. Its stump will benefit from winter protection in very cold areas.

Cyrtomium fortunei var. clivicola, sometimes called Cyrtomium caryotydeum 'Clivicola', Polystichum falcatum 'Clivicola' or Phanerophlebia fortunei 'Clivicola', is a perennial plant in the Dryopteridaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia (Indochina, China, Japan, Korea) and is sometimes found in the wild, having escaped from gardens.

The plant grows from short upright rhizomes covered with scales and forms a compact clump of uncut fronds, tall and wide from 40 to 60cm (16 to 24in). Each frond is divided into leaflets about ten centimetres long and 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) wide, with undulating, toothed edges towards the top. They are tough, arranged alternately along the petiole and resemble those of Japanese Mahonia or holly. In spring, small brown dots regularly arranged can be observed on the underside of the leaves; these are the sori, small clusters of reproductive cells that will be dispersed by the wind.

The holly fern is a fairly hardy and relatively easy plant to grow, which will thrive in a sheltered spot away from the wind and afternoon sun. It will be happy in a rockery or in a damp woodland, in the company of primroses, Solomon's seals, Corydalis flexuosa, and Epimediums. It can also be paired with perennials with metallic reflections such as Heuchera 'Prince of Silver',  Lamium 'Pink Pewter' or Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea'.