Dryopteris

(Autumn Fern) Erythrosora

Picture a shady corner lit up by fronds that unfurl in coppery pink and slowly turn glossy green. That is the autumn fern, and it keeps the show going from spring till the first frosts. Give it some room: it grows to about 60 cm tall and 50-60 cm wide, with a graceful, arching habit. For a lush, full border, plan on 3-4 per square metre, or tuck a few into a large pot by the north-facing door. It doesn't flower, but its leafy canopy is a cool hideout for small garden visitors, and it looks lovely next to hostas and hellebores. The copper glow is strongest in new growth, so how this green friend looks on arrival depends on the season.

Give it a spot in partial or full shade, sheltered from hot afternoon sun that can scorch the fronds. It loves humus-rich, well-draining soil that stays pleasantly moist, so mix in some compost when planting. Water during dry spells, and keep an eye on pots, because they dry out much faster than a border. Tidy it up in late winter: cut off the tired fronds just before the new ones start to unfurl, so you don't snip the fresh growth. This fern is hardy and stays outside all winter, and a layer of leaves or mulch over the roots keeps it snug in the coldest spells.

Your order will be hand picked and packed in our strong and sustainable packaging as soon as possible, after which it will be delivered straight from our greenhouse to your door by your chosen carrier. You can follow the journey of your plants via the tracking link you receive in your mail. If you have any questions regarding your order and its shipment, you can get in contact with our support team.

We expect every order to arrive in tip-top shape. We take intensive care of the plants in our greenhouse and use special and as sustainable as possible protective packaging to ship our plants. We also wrote an extensive blog about how to unpack and prepare your plants for growth after shipping. However there are rare occasions where our plants don’t meet their full potential. That’s why all plants are guaranteed for 30 days after arrival, if still in its original nursery pot.