Fern Autumn

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Price range: $14.99 through $5,907.00

Autumn Fern is a vibrant shade-loving perennial with bronze to copper new fronds that mature to deep green. Its multi-season color and elegant texture make it perfect for woodland gardens, borders, and moist, shaded landscapes.

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Autumn Fern

Dryopteris erythrosora

Autumn Fern, known for its colorful emerging fronds, is a standout perennial that brings warmth and texture to shaded gardens. New growth appears in striking shades of copper, bronze, and salmon, creating a vibrant contrast against the mature deep green foliage. As the seasons progress, the fern continues to produce fresh fronds, giving the plant a dynamic, layered appearance. This evergreen to semi-evergreen fern adds structure and elegance to woodland plantings, shaded borders, and moisture-rich landscapes. Its arching fronds and fine texture blend beautifully with hostas, astilbe, and other shade-loving plants.

This hardy fern thrives in cool, shaded areas with consistent moisture and rich soil. Its tolerance for humidity and lower light levels makes it a versatile choice for many landscapes. Once established, it grows reliably with minimal care, maintaining its lush fullness throughout much of the year. Autumn Fern’s ability to offer year-round appeal, along with its durability and striking color changes, makes it a favorite for gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty in shaded spaces.

Care Instructions:

Planting: Plant in partial to full shade. Choose a spot with moist, humus-rich soil. Space plants 18–24 inches apart.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry or hot periods. Avoid allowing soil to dry out completely.

Pruning: Remove old or damaged fronds in late winter or early spring to refresh growth.

Pest Control: Very pest-resistant. Occasionally check for slugs in damp areas and manage with traps if needed.

Soil Tips: Prefers rich, organic, well-drained soil. Add compost or leaf mold annually to maintain moisture and fertility.

Plant TypeFerns, Shrubs
Hardiness Zone(s)4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
ExposureShade
Season of InterestSpring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Plant Height1' - 2' (ft)
Plant Spread1' - 2' (ft)
Spacing18" - 24" (in)
Water NeedsAverage
Maintenance LevelLow
Soil TypeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil PHAcidic, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil DrainageMoist but Well Drained, Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Bloom ColorGreen, Multi-Color, Red
Foliage ColorGreen
CharacteristicsEvergreen, Plant of Merit, Showy
TolerancesClay Soil, Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Garden UsesUnderplanting Roses and Shrubs, Beds and Borders

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