Product Description
Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' Ten (10) quarts
a/k/a Autumn fern, Japanese Red Shield Fern
Brilliance is a more colorful form of the ever-popular Autumn Fern, providing a display of colors for every season. The young fronds of this excellent evergreen are more colorful than the generic species from Asia. Young fronds have a lustrous orange-coppery pink color that enlivens the garden landscape. New emerging fronds seem to glow against the backdrop of the shiny, dark green, mature fronds. The sori, which are produced in fall, are bright red.
One of the top ten ferns used in the garden. Autumn is described as a very hardy survivor and a true no-maintenance plant by the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. This thrives in neutral to acidic, loose, richly organic soil and part sun. The soil should remain moist but well-drained, though it will tolerate drier soils once it is established. Mulching plants in the winter will help to conserve moisture and keep weeds from taking hold there.
Use in perennial beds, as groundcover for shady areas and combination planters. Use a peat-lite mix growing media for containers, and if you want to bring it indoors, place in a low light area. Foliage is a splendid filler for flowers arrangements.
Height: 2.0 Feet
Spread: 2.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 5,6,7,8,9
Foliage Color: Green shades
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Evergreen
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting
Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' is a truly stunning fern that lights up shady gardens with its vibrant colors and elegant form. It is also known as the Autumn Fern or Japanese Red Shield Fern, and it is a favorite among gardeners for its unique beauty and adaptability. Here is a closer look:
Appearance:
- Fronds: 'Brilliance' unfolds its new fronds in a spectacular display of coppery-pink to orange-red hues. These vibrant new fronds contrast beautifully with the older, deep green fronds, creating a captivating tapestry of color. As the season progresses, the new fronds mature to a glossy, deep green, while the older fronds often take on a reddish tinge in autumn.
- Spores: In fall, bright red sori (spore cases) develop on the undersides of the fronds, adding another layer of visual interest.
Growing Conditions:
- Light: Thrives in partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some sun, but it is best to protect it from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates. The vibrant colors of the new fronds are often more intense when the plant receives some morning sun or dappled light.
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate some dryness once established, but consistent moisture will help it look its best.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 5-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Uses:
- Woodland Gardens: Its natural habitat is in moist woodlands, so it is a perfect addition to woodland gardens or shaded areas under trees.
- Borders and Edging: 'Brilliance' can also be used to create stunning borders or to edge walkways and garden beds.
- Containers: It is also well-suited for containers, adding a touch of elegance and color to patios, balconies, or indoor spaces.
- Japanese Gardens: Its graceful form and vibrant colors make it a popular choice for Japanese gardens.
Additional Benefits:
- Evergreen: In mild climates, 'Brilliance' is evergreen, providing year-round interest. In colder regions, its semi-evergreen, with the fronds often persisting through winter.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The foliage is generally unappealing to deer and rabbits.
- Low Maintenance: It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that does not require much care once established.
- Air Purifier: Like other ferns, it can help to purify the air by removing toxins.
Overall, Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' is a spectacular fern that adds a touch of magic to any shade garden. Its vibrant colors, graceful form, and adaptability make it a favorite among gardeners.
Ten (10) plants in quart containers per flat (or tray).
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
