Troubleshooting
Wollaston's Holly Fern problems — and how to fix them
Wollaston's Holly Fern (Polystichum wollastonii) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Old frond die-back
Even though largely evergreen, outer fronds die back in late winter. Remove dead fronds at the base in late winter or early spring before new croziers emerge, to prevent disease harbouring in dead material.
Crown rot in waterlogged conditions
Despite extreme cold hardiness, the crown is susceptible to rot if waterlogged over winter. Use well-drained compost in containers and elevate pots slightly to prevent standing water.
Vine weevil in containers
Vine weevil larvae can cause sudden wilting by destroying roots in pots. Check roots when repotting and apply Steinernema kraussei nematodes as a biological control in late summer.
Prevent wollaston's holly fern problems before they start
Most wollaston's holly fern issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Wollaston's Holly Fern problems — FAQ
Why is my wollaston's holly fern old frond die-back?
Even though largely evergreen, outer fronds die back in late winter. Remove dead fronds at the base in late winter or early spring before new croziers emerge, to prevent disease harbouring in dead material.
Why is my wollaston's holly fern crown rot in waterlogged conditions?
Despite extreme cold hardiness, the crown is susceptible to rot if waterlogged over winter. Use well-drained compost in containers and elevate pots slightly to prevent standing water.
Why is my wollaston's holly fern vine weevil in containers?
Vine weevil larvae can cause sudden wilting by destroying roots in pots. Check roots when repotting and apply Steinernema kraussei nematodes as a biological control in late summer.