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