Dryopteris erythrosora-Japanese Shield Fern in 9 cm Pot

Ferns are a delight for any garden that can provide their basic requirements. They fill that space that few other plants will thrive in and at the same time bring colour and form to please. Dryopteris erythrosora is one of the most popular hardy garden ferns, a semi evergreen to deciduous (in cold weather) fern that is native to China, Japan and as far south as the Philippines. It has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Fronds arise from the crown curled up and slowly unfold into a triangular shape with a rich bronze colour, occasionally with a pink tinge. As they age the fronds turn a lush dark green and contrast well with other lighter green ferns. Dryopteris erythrosora prefers a rich, always moist, even wet, soil, with plenty of organic matter, in a shady location although it will grow well in full sun provided there is constant an abundant supply of moisture. Perhaps unexpectedly it is quite tolerant of dry soil in shade locations. The form and texture of Ferns can be grown very successfully in pots and containers as long as you can reproduce the basic requirements, and especially the need for constant moisture. Use a good quality compost. Be very careful with cheap peat free composts that often dry out very quickly.