Autumn fern Interesting Notes

Dryopteris is translated from the Greek as "oak fern". erythrosora translates as "red sori", referring to the spore-bearing structures on the undersides of the leaflets.

Autumn fern, Dryopteris erythrosora, is one of the best choices for landscapes, although its common name is misleading. Its peak of color is in spring when its fronds unfurl copper-red or pink in color and eventually fade to a bronze-green. In late summer, bright-red spore clusters (sori) appear on frond undersides. In fall, fronds can change to a slightly more russet tone.

Autumn fern is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 5 and stays evergreen in frost-free areas. It can be a high, tropical-appearing groundcover, a specimen plant or a backdrop for shade-loving flowering perennials. It has no serious pest or disease problems, but does require evenly moist soil. If plants begin to dry out, they will wilt and change color slightly as a warning they need more water.

Autumn fern was named a Florida plant of the year for 1998 by the Florida Nurserymen & Growers Association. It is well suited for container production under shade cloth and can be treated like other shade perennials such as hostas. GreenBeam.com

Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Dryopteris erythrosora prefers moist, rich, well-drained, acid soils in full to partial shade. Intolerant of drought, compacted or poor soils. Spreads slowly by rhizomes.