Dryopteris Lepidopoda

Description

Dryopteris lepidopoda – sunset fern

Botanical name: Dryopteris lepidopoda
Common names: Sunset fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Plant type: Semi-evergreen fern
Habit: Clump-forming, upright
Pot size: 3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 60–75cm tall × 60cm spread
Foliage: Fronds emerging in warm orange, copper and pink tones, 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 6–9
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Species native to the Himalaya
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Dryopteris lepidopoda, the sunset fern, has fronds that unfurl in warm orange, copper and pink tones before maturing to green. One of the most colourful ferns, it is superb in moist, shaded and woodland borders.

GardenAdvice notes

A beautiful Himalayan fern grown for the warm sunset colours of its new fronds, which emerge in glowing orange, copper and pink before settling to green. With repeat flushes of colourful young growth through the season and near-evergreen fronds, it brings rare, lasting colour to the shade garden.

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 to hold moisture, and space according to the ultimate size, generally about 45–60cm 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 other shade plants, where the coppery new fronds bring warm 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

Like the autumn fern it resembles, the sunset fern is all about that glowing coppery-orange new growth, so plant it where light can reach the young fronds to light them up. It flushes more than once through the season, so you get the colour repeatedly — keep it moist and shaded and it’s an easy, long-season performer.

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