autumn fern
Dryopteris erythrosora
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size1.5 to 2.5 feet tall1.5 to 2.5 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- Gold/yellow, green, orange, pink, red/burgundy
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) is a fern for borders, containers, shade gardens, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and dry to moist soil of most types. It is evergreen and grows slowly into an arching clump with foliage in gold, orange, pink, red, and green. Deer and rabbits tend to pass it by. Plant it where you want color in the shade.
Pairs well with Lenten rose, Aureola Japanese forest grass, and Oakleaf hydrangea.
Native range
Africa, Guinea, and Ivory Coast.