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 H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden. It is native to Japan.
About
This evergreen fern develops a compact tuft of light green, somewhat leathery, bipinnate fronds that can reach up to 60 cm in length. The young fronds may exhibit a pink hue and, on occasion, produce bulbils.
About the genus
Dryopteris consists of ferns that may be deciduous, semi-evergreen, or evergreen. They feature robust, upright or sprawling rhizomes and form rosettes of fronds that are either lanceolate or ovate in shape, with a pinnate division.
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
- H4
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
- Native to
- Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well. See how to grow ferns for further advice
- Pruning
- Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
- Propagation
- Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free outdoors
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free outdoors
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica?
Easy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly in their first season and mulch well. See how to grow ferns for further advice.
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 do I prune Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica?
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H4.
How do I propagate Dryopteris erythrosora var. prolifica?
Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring.