Gallon – $8.00

Autumn Fern ‘Brilliance’ 

Autumn Fern (polypodiaceae) – Dropteris erythrosora – A stunning evergreen accent fern with delicate copper-red fronds that appear in spring, changing to kelly green by mid summer.  Autumn Fern starts growing very early in spring with delicate, fine textured fiddleheads that unfold into a copper-red frond (thus the name autumn fern)  The fronds turn into an arching glossy foliage that changes to bronze and then to a dark green with maturity.  The delicate fronds grow to be 2 feet long with foliage emerging from the crown and growing into a graceful arching form.  You may see several flushes of growth appear off and on during the growing season until several light frosts freeze them back in the autumn.

Autumn Fern is an evergreen in southern climates but semi-evergreen in northern climates.  Plants spread slowly by short creeping rhizomes.

Autumn Ferns are ideal as a groundcover or border planting, under large trees, in woodlands, or in north or east facing foundation plantings.  It has proved to be one of the most adaptable plants for residential landscapes as a low growing perennials perfect for shady areas.  Autumn Fern is just striking when planted with the flat bold leaves of Hostas  where textures contrast while complimenting each other.

Autumn Fern is known to be heat tolerant when given enough shade and moisture.  Grows best in soil high in humus which can be obtained by adding composted leaves, compost or peat moss to regular garden soil.   No serious insect or disease problems noted.

Height and width 1.5 to 2 feet tall Full to part shade

Height 30 – 36 inches Width 18- 24 inches Full to part shade

Japanese Painted Fern

Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium nipponicum ‘Metallicum’) is a popular fern for shady areas with colorful silvery-grey fronds that are shaded a dusty purple towards the center. Stems and veins are a puplish-red color. This elegant deciduous fern has a low mounding habit with arching fronds typically reaching to 18-20 inches tall and 18 – 24 inches wide.

Known to be easy to grow, low maintenance and pest and disease free making this the perfect shade plant for your garden. A slow spreading habit and unusual color will brighten up any dark or shady area.

Rabbit, Deer, and wet / clay soil tolerant. Great for borders and cottage gardens, underplanting of shrubs and trees, along pond banks and water gardens. Japanese Painted Ferns put on a striking show when partnered with Hostas and Astillbe in the shade garden. Hardy zones 4-9

Height and Width 18 – 20 inches Full to part shade