Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica
Japanese shield fern, Copper shield fern, Lacy Autumn fern
Also known as Dryopteris erythrosora 'Prolifica', Dryopteris erythrosora prolifica
- Height × spread
- 0.7m × 1m
- Position
- All conditions
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A fern that not only has great beauty, making a handsome large fan of large arching fronds, but which also takes on delectable copper tints in spring. The fronds are large and luxuriant. They taper elegantly, displaying a chestnut coloured central rib with long tapering pinnae, each individual segment pointed in a forward direction. An established group present a somewhat layered appearance, maturing to a dark green shade. Give this ample space.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Spring foliage
- Red-copper
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.7m
- Spread
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Shady court
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Ground cover, Deer resistant
- Walls
- North, East facing
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during drought
After three or four weeks without rain, except for drought tolerant plants, those in the ground often get stressed. Adopt the habit of deep-watering one section of the garden each day. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Encourage plants to develop good root systems by giving occasional deep watering. Some plants, such as conifers and heathers, do not show much sign of distress so water these if in doubt.
Winter
Winter-Spring · Planting
Prune damaged fern fronds
You can remove old fronds in winter if they look tattered. Carefully cut them off using secateurs. Other fronds can be removed as they break, die or fail in spring. Cut them off carefully so as not to damage the young, emergent growth.
Found in
More Dryopteris
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Wood fern, Buckler fern
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Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata Angustata'
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Dryopteris affinis 'Cristata'
King of the male fern, Crested golden scaled male fern
Dryopteris affinis 'Pinderi'
Pinder's golden scaled male fern
Dryopteris affinis 'Polydactyla Dadds'
Gold shield fern, Scaly male fern, Golden scaled male fern