Dryopteris erythrosora 'Prolifica' (Japanese Shield Fern) – Hardy Fern (Set of 3 or 6)

Coppery bronze new fronds unfurl in spring and mature to a deep, glossy green, giving colour twice over.

'Prolifica' is a compact form of the Japanese shield fern, carrying small bulbils along its fronds that give the plant a light, layered look. It is semi-evergreen, so in a mild winter it keeps much of its foliage and holds the structure of a shaded bed.

It thrives in shade and partial shade where many plants struggle, and makes good ground cover under trees and shrubs. Each plant comes as an established 1 litre root ball, ready for a border, a bed or a decorative pot.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Japanese shield fern, autumn fern, copper shield fern
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 30cm to 45cm tall by 30cm to 45cm wide
• Growth Habit: Compact and clump forming
• Perfect For: Shady borders, woodland gardens, ground cover under trees and shrubs, containers
• Foliage: Coppery bronze new fronds maturing to glossy dark green, triangular and bipinnate
• Flowering Time: None. Ferns carry no flowers and spread by spores.
• Planting Position: Partial shade to full shade, sheltered from wind in soil that stays moist. Grows well in a container.
• Soil Type: Moist, humus rich soil that drains freely. Dig in leaf mould or garden compost when planting.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy. It comes through a British winter outdoors without protection.
• Maintenance: Low. Cut away old or tired fronds in early spring before the new ones unfurl, and mulch in spring to hold moisture in.
• Seasonal Interest: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
• Type: Hardy semi-evergreen fern

Free UK Delivery on Every Order

All orders placed Monday–Thursday before 2pm are packed the next working day and delivered within 24 hours of dispatch.

Example: Order on Monday → packed Tuesday → delivered Wednesday.

Orders placed Friday–Sunday are packed and shipped on Monday. We don't dispatch on weekends to ensure your plants travel fresh.

How Your Plants Arrive
Every plant is individually wrapped in our plastic-free packaging and secured in a custom box designed to keep them upright and protected in transit. If anything arrives damaged, get in touch — we'll replace it.

Returns
Not happy? Contact us within 14 days of delivery and we'll sort it out. See our full returns policy here.