Product Description
Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' (3.5-inch pot)
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
Add a Touch of Drama and Color to Your Shade Garden with 'Brilliance' Autumn Fern!
Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance', also known as the Brilliance Autumn Fern, is a stunning evergreen fern prized for its vibrant new red growth that contrasts beautifully with its mature dark green fronds. This easy-to-grow fern adds a touch of drama and texture to shady gardens, woodland settings, or container plantings.
'Brilliance' is a cultivar of the East Asian Autumn Fern, known for its striking display of color. The new fronds emerge a vibrant reddish-bronze, gradually transitioning to a deep, glossy green as they mature. This creates a beautiful two-toned effect that lasts for several weeks in spring. The mature fronds are leathery and slightly triangular, adding an elegant texture to the shade garden. 'Brilliance' is a relatively compact fern, making it a great choice for smaller gardens or mixed plantings.
- Mature Size: 18-24 inches tall and wide
- Frond Color: New growth: vibrant reddish-bronze, maturing to dark, glossy green
- Growth Habit: Clumping, upright
- Light Needs: Partial to full shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
- Hardiness Zones: 5-9 (USDA)
- Special Features: Evergreen (in warmer climates), vibrant new growth color, deer resistant, low maintenance
Planting:
- Timing: Plant in spring or fall for best results.
- Location: Choose a shady or partially shaded location with rich, moist, well-drained soil. Avoid planting in areas with direct afternoon sun, especially in hot climates.
- Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve drainage and moisture retention.
- Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
- Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for adequate growth.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and regularly until established.
Care:
- Watering: 'Brilliance' requires consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring as new growth begins. Avoid over-fertilizing.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the shallow roots.
- Pruning: Remove any dead or damaged fronds in late winter or early spring.
- Pest and Disease Control: 'Brilliance' is generally pest and disease resistant. However, watch for common garden pests like slugs or snails.
Uses in the Garden:
- Woodland Gardens: A natural choice for woodland settings, adding texture and color to the understory.
- Shade Gardens: Ideal for shady gardens or areas under trees.
- Mixed Borders: Adds a touch of drama and interest to mixed borders in shady areas.
- Container Gardening: Can be grown in containers, adding a vertical element and vibrant color to patios and balconies.
- Mass Plantings: Plant in groups for a stunning display of foliage color and texture.
Bring the vibrant beauty of 'Brilliance' Autumn Fern to your shade garden and enjoy its fiery new growth and elegant evergreen foliage!
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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Product Reviews
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Fantastic Autumn Ferns
25 potted plants arrived well-packed and alive. I've left them in a shady spot in the same open box to acclimate before planting. Growing taller and seem happy.
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Great value
Autumn ferns are beautiful. And less than 1/3 of the price that I saw in a nearby nursery. Delivery was quick and all plants were in great shape.
