Autumn Fern
Dryopteris erythrosora
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
24 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Consistently moist
Humidity
Prefers high humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
East Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Dryopteris erythrosora, commonly known as Autumn Fern, is an evergreen fern featuring graceful, arching fronds with a distinctive coppery-red tint in new growth, maturing to lush green with finely divided leaflets. This fern is prized for its striking copper-colored new fronds that add vibrant color to shaded garden areas and its ability to tolerate a variety of soil conditions.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores or divisions into well-prepared soil
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity
- Keep soil consistently moist for best growth
- Mulch around base to retain moisture
- Provide partial shade for optimal foliage color
- Transplant in early spring after dormancy
Pro Tip
Ensure soil stays moist and provide filtered light for vibrant fronds.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Prune dead fronds in early spring
Don't
- Avoid overexposure to direct sunlight ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Autumn Fern questions
What zones can Autumn Fern grow in?
Autumn Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Autumn Fern deer resistant?
Yes — Autumn Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Autumn Fern bloom?
Autumn Fern typically blooms in late fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Autumn Fern need full sun?
Autumn Fern does best in part shade.
More Dryopteris to compare
Broad Buckler-fern
Dryopteris dilatata 'Jimmy Dyce'
Log Fern
Dryopteris x celsa 'Shreveport'
Shaggy Shield Fern
Dryopteris cycadina
Western Wood Fern The King Fern
Dryopteris affinis 'The King'
Goldie's Wood Fern
Dryopteris goldieana
Wallich's Wood Fern
Dryopteris wallichiana 'Tucumanji'
Keep exploring
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Grow Autumn Fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
