Description

Looking for a hardy fern with real character? Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern) is a great choice. The autumn fern has young fronds that unfurl coppery-red, maturing to glossy green.

Hardy ferns bring elegant texture and soft colour to shady, moist corners where many plants struggle. Their unfurling fronds are one of the joys of spring.

Key features of Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern)

• Plant type: Semi-evergreen hardy fern
• Season of interest: Spring colour, evergreen in mild winters
• Look: Coppery-red young fronds maturing green
• Height and spread: 0.6m x 0.6m
• Position: Part or full shade
• Soil: Moist, humus-rich soil
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Supplied in: 3L pot
• Best for: shady borders, woodland planting, pots in shade, woodland gardens

Why choose Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern)?

• Coppery-red new fronds
• Semi-evergreen
• Shade-loving

Where to plant Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern)

Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern) grows best in part or full shade, in moist, humus-rich soil. It is a good choice for shady borders, and also works well for woodland planting, pots in shade and woodland gardens. Pair with hostas, hellebores and woodland plants.

How to plant Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern)

Water the plant well in its pot an hour before planting. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth, loosen the soil at the base, and mix in some garden compost. Set the plant at the same level it sat in the pot, backfill, firm gently and water in thoroughly.

How to care for Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern)

Keep the soil moist; mulch with leafmould. Mulch with leafmould and tidy old fronds in spring. Remove old fronds in late winter. Dry soil and strong sun damage the fronds.

Growing Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern) in a pot

Grows well in shady containers. Use a loam-based compost such as John Innes No. 3, make sure the pot has drainage holes, and water regularly in summer, as containers dry out faster than borders.

Grown in the UK, for UK gardens

Every plant is grown at our St Annes nursery in the North West, where it is raised in real British conditions. That means a tougher, well-rooted plant that settles quickly into your garden. This Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern) is supplied in a 3L pot. Container-grown plants can be planted almost all year round, as long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged; autumn and spring are ideal.

Frequently asked questions

How big does Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern) grow?
Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern) typically reaches 0.6m x 0.6m, depending on position, soil and pruning.

When does Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern) look its best?
Its main season of interest is spring colour, evergreen in mild winters, when it shows coppery-red young fronds maturing green.

Is Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern) hardy?
Fully hardy.

How do I prune Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern)?
Remove old fronds in late winter.

Do hardy ferns need shade?
Most hardy ferns do best in shade with moist soil.

Can I grow Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern) in a pot?
Yes. Ferns grow well in pots kept moist and shaded.

Add Dryopteris erythrosora (autumn fern) to your basket today and enjoy spring colour, evergreen in mild winters interest in your garden.