Dryopteris erythrosora (Copper Shield Fern) – Hardy Fern (2L Pot)

The copper shield fern, grown for new fronds that emerge warm bronze and mature to glossy green.

It is one of the most dependable hardy ferns for a shaded garden, giving refined texture and a change of colour through the season rather than a single flush. It sits well among hostas and hellebores or on its own in a pot by a shaded door.

Each plant is supplied as a fresh, well established 2L root ball, grown in peat free compost. They are larger and more mature than plugs, so they arrive fully rooted and ready to go straight into the ground or a pot.

Plant it in partial to full shade in soil that holds moisture, and it will settle quickly and get better every year.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Copper shield fern, Japanese shield fern, autumn fern
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Our source gives a range for these hardy ferns rather than a figure for this one: 20cm to 1.2m tall and 20cm to 90cm wide, depending on the fern.
• Growth Habit: Clump forming
• Perfect For: Shaded borders, understorey planting, containers, courtyards, stonework edges and woodland gardens
• Foliage: Coppery new fronds maturing to glossy green
• Flowering Time: None. Ferns carry no flowers and spread by spores.
• Planting Position: Partial shade to full shade, sheltered from wind in soil that stays moist. Grows well in a container.
• Soil Type: Moist, humus rich soil that drains freely.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy. It comes through a British winter outdoors without protection.
• Maintenance: Very low. Tidy old fronds away as needed.
• Seasonal Interest: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
• Type: Hardy semi-evergreen fern