How to Transplant Holly Ferns

Select nursery-grown container plants or rhizomes from existing holly ferns, as they can be difficult to grow directly from spores.

Transplant holly ferns in the fall, from the first frost date until November. This ensures transplants have enough time to establish themselves and regrow root tissue before the onset of warm weather.

Select a planting site with proper drainage and good aeration. Holly ferns prefer sandy soil, high in organic matter. Avoid transplanting ferns into heavy, poorly draining clay soils.

Choose a site that receives indirect sunlight. Holly ferns prefer full to partial shade and will burn if exposed to direct sunlight.

Use a garden spade to excavate a planting hole the same depth as the height of the plant's root ball and twice as wide. The fern should rest at the same soil level it did in its container. Planting ferns too high makes water retention difficult, while planting too low has the potential to induce root rot.

Water the hole well before transplanting the fern. Insert the root ball and backfill with soil.

Irrigate the transplant site heavily after planting to help settle the soil in place and avoid large air pockets.

Water regularly after transplanting, and keep the soil relatively moist. Although holly ferns are somewhat drought tolerant, they prefer moist, shady conditions.

Avoid fertilizing fall transplants until they become fully established.

Apply mulch after transplanting to conserve water and inhibit the growth of weeds.