Overview
Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica is a bushy ferns in the genus Dryopteris, part of the Dryopteridaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica, known as prolific copper shield fern, is a bushy evergreen fern cultivar within the Dryopteris genus. It typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size over 5 to 10 years. This fern thrives in full or partial shade and prefers sheltered positions, tolerating a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with acid, alkaline, or neutral pH. It favours moist but well-drained to poorly-drained soils and remains of interest during the winter season.
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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica
- Propagation
- Division, Spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica?
Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica need?
Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica 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.
How big does Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica grow?
Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica hardy in the UK?
Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica?
Division, Spores.
More in the Dryopteris genus
Browse all Dryopteris →
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