Dryopteris erythrosora

Description

Dryopteris erythrosora – autumn fern

Botanical name: Dryopteris erythrosora
Common names: Autumn fern, copper shield fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Plant type: Semi-evergreen fern
Habit: Clump-forming, arching
Pot size: 9cm pot
Eventual size: Approx. 45–60cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Glossy, divided fronds, the new growth emerging a striking coppery pink-red maturing to green; semi-evergreen
Flowers: None — ferns reproduce by spores, not flowers
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Partial to full shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy, to about −15°C); USDA zones 5–9
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Species native to eastern Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Dryopteris erythrosora, the autumn fern, has glossy divided fronds whose new growth emerges a striking coppery pink-red before maturing to green. One of the most colourful and reliable ferns for shade.

GardenAdvice notes

One of the most colourful of all hardy ferns, the autumn fern is prized for its new fronds, which unfurl in glowing coppery pink-red tones — like autumn colour in spring — before maturing to glossy green. Repeat flushes of new growth mean the coppery colour appears through the season, and its near-evergreen fronds give good year-round structure in shade.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds. Work in leaf mould or compost, and space about 45cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Keep the soil from drying out, especially while establishing, and mulch with leaf mould in autumn. Remove old, tatty or frost-burnt fronds in early spring before the new growth unfurls. No feeding is usually needed beyond an annual mulch.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide congested clumps in spring.
• Spores: Can be raised from spores sown on moist, sterile compost, though this is slow and specialised.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free and robust. Slugs and snails may graze the soft young fronds as they unfurl in spring, and fronds can scorch in dry or exposed positions. Moist soil and shelter keep it looking its best.

Uses in the garden

Ideal for shady and woodland borders, north-facing beds and among hostas and other shade plants, where its coppery new growth brings rare colour to a shady spot.

Wildlife value

The fronds and crown provide cover and shelter for small invertebrates through the year.

Toxicity & safety

Ferns are generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets, though as with all ornamental plants they are not intended for eating.

GardenAdvice tip

The whole appeal of the autumn fern is that glowing coppery-red new growth, so plant it where light can catch the young fronds — and because it flushes more than once through the season, you get that colour repeatedly, not just in spring. It’s one of the easiest and most rewarding ferns, near-evergreen and happy in ordinary moist shade.

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