Japanese Wood Fern

Sometimes called the autumn fern because of the colour of its young leaves in spring, Dryopteris erythrosora is a medium-sized, slow-growing, semi-evergreen, clump-forming fern, very tolerant as to soil and aspect. The young fronds emerge coppery pink, contrasting attractively with the deep green of the mature leaves. The ideal choice where conditions are less than perfect – will even cope with full sun if the soil is constantly moist. Also called the Japanese shield fern, Japanese wood fern holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soils: Almost any soil
Position: Partial shade, full shade; full sun in moist soil
Season of interest: Spring, summer, autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height to 2’ (60cm) Spread to 15” (40cm)