PlantFiles: Korean Tassel Fern, Japanese Lace Fern, Holly Fern, Bristle Fern
Polystichum polyblepharum

I live in zone 8a This fern does like to be watered on a regular basis, and I think part the reason it does so well for me is because it gets regular drip irrigation at the roots.

I really like the gracefullness of these ferns. They look pretty next to my blue eye grass. Will post a picture if it ever stops raining here!

Definately Evergreen.

Polystichum polyblepharum has thrived here in zone 9b, and once established it can grow quite large in size. (I think that this fern is a lot more attractive once it is larger).

Requires space to grow, some shade, acidic soil, and to be kept moist. Commonly available in nurseries locally. Native to Japan, Taiwan, and China.

Tassel Fern takes the Mid-Atlantic region's frosty winters and hot, humid summers without any problems. I planted this fern two years ago near a north facing wall and it gets no sun at all in the coldest winter months. It has survived a heavy, wet snow that broke all of it's fronds and was, most recently, solidly frozen in an ice storm. I have not had any problems with pests. Slow growing and non-spreading. Great fern!

I have to agree it is a great fern to own and easy to grow. It is hardy in Z5. The fronds are a beautiful shade of green and are glossy which also give a different texture to the shade garden.

This fern is Evergreen here in both our warmest most protected areas, which push into Zone 7 and our normal Zone 6 areas.

I don't cut the fronds back as I think the older foliage gives it a more natural 'wild' look.
They also help to keep the plant more moist as the dying older fronds act as natural mulch.
Bought 4 as 3" pots they are now well over 15" across.
We don't baby them and have never lost one in three years.

If you've ever wished you could grow Tree Ferns in your zone deprived area...... this is about as close as it gets.

This is a really beautiful fern, and though I have success growing it -doesn't take much effort here- except in trying to keep it looking good in hot weather. Many of the leaves will shrivel in the intense heat and make the fern look ratty and sad if you can't keep it moist on those hot, dry days (gets to 110F here). Lots of overhead protection (dense shade) helps but that may not be enough. Best to grow this fern a little closer to the coast or in a more temperate climate than one finds in inland southern California.

This beautiful fern grows to 2 feet wide, excellent for shady flower bed. Keep moist at all times. Tough fern, not as delicate as others. It grows well in my zone 5 garden. Excellent for beginners.