Overview
Dryopteris erythrosora is a clump forming ferns in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Dryopteris erythrosora grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds. It is native to China South-Central, China Southeast, Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto and Taiwan.
About
Dryopteris erythrosora, commonly known as copper shield fern or Japanese shield fern, is a clump-forming fern within the Dryopteridaceae family. It is a semi-evergreen plant that typically grows to between 0.5 and 1 metre in height and spread, reaching full size in 5 to 10 years. This fern is adaptable to a variety of light conditions, including full shade, full sun, and partial shade, and thrives in sheltered positions. It tolerates a wide range of soil types and pH levels, preferring moist but well-drained to poorly drained soils. It is a low-maintenance plant valued for its winter interest.
About the genus
Dryopteris, commonly called the wood ferns, male ferns, or buckler ferns, is a fern genus in the family Dryopteridaceae, subfamily Dryopteridoideae, according to the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016 (PPG I). There are about 300-400 species in the genus. The species are distributed in Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Pacific islands, with the highest diversity in eastern Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Dryopteris", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dryopteris
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Dryopteris
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Dryopteris erythrosora size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- China South-Central, China Southeast, Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto, Taiwan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris erythrosora
- Cultivation
- Prefers shaded or semi-shaded positions with moist, well-drained soil; mulch to retain moisture; avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Division, Spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Dryopteris erythrosora?
Prefers shaded or semi-shaded positions with moist, well-drained soil; mulch to retain moisture; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris erythrosora?
Dryopteris erythrosora prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris erythrosora need?
Dryopteris erythrosora is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Dryopteris erythrosora?
Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Dryopteris erythrosora grow?
Dryopteris erythrosora reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Dryopteris erythrosora hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris erythrosora has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Dryopteris erythrosora?
Division, Spores.
