Dryopteris erythrosora (Autumn Fern)
One of the most colorful ferns in the genus Dryopteris, Dryopteris erythrosora (Autumn Fern) is a clump-forming, semi-evergreen fern with broadly triangular, arching fronds. In spring, its new fronds are suffused with coppery tints and contrast beautifully with the shiny, dark green, mature fronds. Initially, these may be pinkish, but the coppery tones dominate until the frond matures and turns bright green as the season progresses.
One of the most colorful ferns in the genus Dryopteris, Dryopteris erythrosora (Autumn Fern) is a clump-forming, semi-evergreen fern with broadly triangular, arching fronds. In spring, its new fronds are suffused with coppery tints and contrast beautifully with the shiny, dark green, mature fronds. Initially, these may be pinkish, but the coppery tones dominate until the frond matures and turns bright green as the season progresses. Prized for its adaptability and brilliance, Autumn Fern thrives on neglect and is pest and disease free. A great asset for shaded woodland gardens, it can also be used as an accent plant. It makes a superb backdrop for flowering shade plants.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
- Clump-forming, it easily grows up to 2 ft. tall and wide (60 cm) and will reliably reappear year after year.
- A part shade to full shade lover, it is best grown in consistently moist soils. Will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well.
- This plant is a great choice for shady beds, borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage gardens, or woodlands.
- Deer and rabbit resistant, clay soil tolerant!
- Remove faded fronds regularly and divide plants when crowded.
- Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring
- Native to Japan, Korea, China, and the Philippines
Requirements
| Hardiness | 5 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 5 – 9 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Ferns |
| Plant Family | Dryopteris – Ferns |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
| Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18″ – 24″ (45cm – 60cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |