Autumn Fern - Dryopteris Erythrosora

The Autumn Fern is a beautiful and versatile fern that is perfect for shady gardens. It is known for its stunning copper-red new growth in spring, which matures to a deep green in summer. In fall, the fronds often turn a fiery red again before they die back. The Autumn Fern is a low-growing fern that spreads by underground stems, making it a great groundcover. It is also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a low-maintenance plant.

Care

The Autumn Fern is easy to care for. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. It is important to water the fern regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, the fern is more drought-tolerant. Fertilize the fern every few months during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. In the fall, cut back the old fronds to the ground.

Where to plant

The Autumn Fern is a great choice for shady gardens, woodland borders, and rock gardens. It can also be grown in containers.

Pests and diseases

The Autumn Fern is generally pest- and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. If you see any pests, you can treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Propagation

The Autumn Fern can be propagated by division or by spores. To divide the fern, simply dig up a mature plant and separate the rhizomes into smaller clumps. To propagate the fern from spores, you will need to collect spores from the mature fronds in the fall. Sow the spores in a pot of moist potting mix and keep the pot in a shady location. The spores will germinate in a few weeks.

Benefits

The Autumn Fern is a beautiful and low-maintenance plant that can add a touch of color to any shady garden. It is also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardens.