
Japanese Shield Fern
Dryopteris erythrosora
The Japanese Shield Fern, or Autumn Fern, offers a vibrant display of coppery-red new fronds that mature to a rich green, providing year-round interest.
Size
Installation
About this plant
Dryopteris erythrosora is a striking ornamental fern renowned for its dynamic color changes. New fiddleheads emerge a brilliant coppery-red, gradually unfurling to reveal glossy, triangular fronds that transition through shades of bronze to a deep, lustrous green in maturity. This captivating transformation provides continuous visual appeal in the shaded garden. Ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as an elegant accent in decorative containers, the Japanese Shield Fern adds fine texture and a touch of refinement. Its clumping habit ensures a tidy appearance, making it a versatile choice for both formal and informal landscapes. It pairs beautifully with hostas, astilbes, and hellebores. 'A Cut Above' selects only the most robust specimens of this resilient fern, ensuring a healthy foundation for your garden. Our expert team can incorporate this plant into designs that capitalize on its unique coloration and graceful form, creating a sophisticated and low-maintenance landscape.
Care & maintenance
Easily grown in average, consistently moist, well-draining soil. Provide a rich, organic environment for best performance. Protect from strong winds. Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced slow-release formula. Divide clumps in spring every few years if overcrowding occurs.
Quick facts
- Type
- perennial
- Mature height
- 1.5-2 feet
- Mature width
- 1-2 feet
- Sun
- Part Shade to Full Shade
- Water
- Medium to High
- Growth rate
- Medium