East Indian Holly Ferns

Arachniodes simplicior ( Variegated Shield Fern )
A medium size, evergreen Fern, reaching up to 4 feet in height ( typically about hald that ), native to Korea and Japan, that forms extensive colonies. This Fern is very late to start into new growth in spring.
The very attractive, evergreen, densely leafed fronds are very glossy, verdant mid-green, variegated with bright yellowish-green in the middle of each pinnae. The fronds reach a maximum size of 34 x 14 inches.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 though may even survive as far north as zone 4 if heavily mulched during winter and on a site protected from wind. However north to zone 6, it will certainly not remain green all winter.
Prefers partial to full shade on moist to wet, fertile, well drained soil as well as protection from wind. Deer resistant.

* photos taken @ Smithsonian Inst, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014

Arachniodes aristata
Similar but hardier, forming a smaller evergreen clump reaching a maximum height of 2.5 feet. It is native to mountain forests of India, China, Korea and Japan; south into Indonesia. It is also native to New Zealand.
The leaves are up to 20+ x 10 inches in size.
Hardy zones 5 to 10

Arachniodes davalliaeformis ( Shiny Bristle Fern )
Reaches up to 2 feet in height, with extremely glossy, deep green foliage that looks artificial and plastic. This Japanese native is very exotic yet hardy.
Hardy zones 6 to 9

Arachniodes miqueliana
Similar to A. simplicior with longer deciduous fronds, up to 3.5 ( rarely over 2 ) feet in length. The fronds often persist very late into the fall.
It is native from northern Yunnan through southeast China, Korea and Japan.
Hardier, north to zone 4

* photo taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photo taken on October 17 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

Arachniodes standishii ( Upside Down Fern )
An evergreen Fern, reaching up to 3 x 4 ( rarely over 2 ) feet, that is native to moist mountain forests ( esp Cryptomeria ) in Korea and Japan.
It often forms dense colonies in the wild.
The lacy fronds, up to 40 x 12 inches in size, are glossy deep green.
Hardy zones 4 to 8

* photo taken on Nov 7 2010 in Columbia, MD