Lovely fern for the fall

I’ve been successful with autumn ferns in our landscape for many years. They look like the popular florist fern that comes mixed in with corsages and small floral bouquets. However, this one is winter hardy outdoors in Texas. And it’s evergreen.

Then, about 8 years ago, I saw my first ‘Brilliance’ Autumn ferns growing at the Dallas Arboretum and my love of them jumped even higher. It was fall, and they had still been putting out fresh fronds. And it’s those new leaves that give the selection its name – they’re bright coppery orange. This is a selection not to be missed.

Here are the details…
Common name: ‘Brilliance’ Autumn fern (species is also called Japanese shield fern)

Botanical name: Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’

Native home (of the species): Japan, China, Korea. Humid mountain forests and streambanks, in shaded, well-draining locations.

Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9 (includes virtually all of Texas).

Size: 12-15 in. tall and wide.

Year of Introduction of ‘Brilliance’ selection: Mid-2000’s.

Source: First mentioned by Monrovia Wholesale Nursery in California, now featured by Proven Winners.

Bed Preparation: Does best in full shade, almost pure organic matter (compost, peat, rotted manure, bark mulch, etc.). Ensure good drainage, but do not let plants dry out.

Pest problems: No common insects or diseases. Raised bumps in uniform patterns on backs of leaves are reproductive spores – totally normal and expected.

Propagation: Division. (Much faster than with spores.)

Sources: Available at retail nurseries, especially in spring and early summer. Also is sold by mail order from the Internet, but buy locally whenever possible.