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Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance'

Image of Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance'

James Burghardt

Family

Dryopteridaceae

Botanical Name

Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance'

Plant Common Name

Autumn Fern, Copper Shield Fern, Japanese Shield Fern

Special Notice

This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.

General Description

Autumn fern is a semi-evergreen (usually deciduous) fern native to China and Japan. The glossy fronds of 'Brilliance' emerge coppery-orange in spring, turn green in summer, and rusty brown in fall. In winter the undersides of the fronds have red sori (spore bearing structures). Overall, this cultivar is much showier than regular autumn fern and is a low maintenace fern for gardens.

Autumn fern prefers shade and moist acidy soil, making it ideal for the woodland garden and mixed border. 'Brilliance' is a show-stopping companion for hosta and foamflowers. It is quite hardy as a low-light houseplant, too.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Fern

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    12"-24" / 30.5cm - 61.0cm

  • Width

    1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m

  • Native To

    China, Japan

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    None

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Light Green, Yellow Green, Pink, Copper

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Brown, Dark Red, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Red, Brown

  • Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

    SpottedMottled

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Semi-Evergreen

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Groundcover, Houseplant, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No