Product Description
Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' (20)ct Flat
a/k/a Autumn fern, Japanese Red Shield Fern
Brilliance is a new and 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
A Fern for All Seasons
Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance', better known as the Autumn Fern, is a standout selection with its vibrant colors and lush foliage, making it a favorite for bringing life to shade gardens. Originally found in the woodland areas of Japan, China, and Taiwan, this fern is admired for its dynamic foliage that transforms throughout the seasons.
Appearance and Growth Habit The Autumn Fern is an evergreen or semi-evergreen fern, depending on the local climate. It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet with a similar spread. Unlike some ferns that grow in a vase shape, this cultivar has a spreading habit. The fronds are triangular and bi-pinnate, with each frond reaching up to 2 feet in length. In the fall, the undersides of the fronds display bright red sori, which are clusters of spore-producing structures. This fern gradually expands over time through short, creeping rhizomes.
The genus name Dryopteris originates from the Greek words dryas meaning oak and pteris meaning fern, highlighting the association of some wood ferns with oak-filled woodlands. The specific epithet erythrosora also has Greek roots, with erythros meaning red and sora meaning sori, aptly describing the fern's red sori.
One of the most notable features of 'Brilliance' is its vibrant spring frond color. The new growth emerges in a brighter and longer-lasting red compared to other species, making a dramatic statement in the garden. This reddish hue often reappears in the autumn after the first frost, extending the visual interest of this fern. It is also worth noting that 'Brilliance' exhibits brighter red new growth than typically seen in spore-grown plants.
Care and Maintenance Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' is a relatively low-maintenance and easy-to-grow fern. It thrives in average, slightly acidic soils that are rich in organic matter and consistently moist. While it prefers moist conditions, it can tolerate some dryness once established. It is best to plant this fern in a location protected from strong winds to prevent damage to the fronds. This fern is also known to be deer and rabbit resistant and can tolerate clay soil. Here is a summary of the care requirements:
- Light: Part shade to full shade. 'Autumn Brilliance' can tolerate a bit more sun than many other shade-loving ferns.
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Soil: Plant in average, slightly acidic soil with medium to wet moisture levels. The soil should be rich in organic matter.
- Maintenance: Cut back old fronds in early spring before new growth emerges to make way for the vibrant new fronds.
This cultivar is a staple in designer gardens and responds well to rich, moist soils.
Pests and Diseases Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' has no serious insect or disease problems.
Hardiness Zones Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8. In colder climates within its hardiness range, it may behave as a semi-evergreen, with some fronds dying back in winter.
Landscape Uses This versatile fern is an excellent addition to various garden settings. Its attractive foliage and adaptability make it a popular choice for:
- Moist woodland gardens
- Shade gardens
- Ground cover in woodland areas
- Borders
- Containers
- Underplanting roses and shrubs
- Cottage gardens
The Autumn Fern provides a fantastic backdrop to shade plants such as Variegated Solomon's Seal and Blue Brunnera. It can also be planted with hostas for a beautiful combination. For example, try planting 'Key West' and 'Sapphire Pillows' hostas next to each other with 'Brilliance' in front of them.
Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' is an exceptional fern that offers year-round interest with its vibrant, color-changing foliage. It is a low-maintenance and adaptable plant that thrives in a variety of settings, from woodland gardens to containers. What sets 'Brilliance' apart is its exceptionally bright red new growth in spring, which lasts longer than other Autumn Ferns, and its tolerance for slightly more sun than other shade-loving ferns. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this fern is a reliable and beautiful addition to any shade garden.
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!
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good stuff
20 plant flat.... nice plants, good crowns, healthy rooting, well packed, A++
