Dryopteris E. ‘Brilliance’ 1Gal

Latin Name: Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance'

Common Name: Brilliance Autumn Fern / Japanese Red Shield Fern

Zones: 5–9

Height & Spread: 18–24 inches tall, spreading 18–24 inches wide

Descriptive Features: A standout evergreen (semi-evergreen in colder climates) fern and Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit recipient, widely regarded as the most vividly colored of the autumn ferns. Forms a dense, gracefully arching, vase-shaped clump of triangular, bi-pinnate fronds. New fiddleheads and fronds unfurl in striking metallic copper-orange to coral-pink each spring, seeming to glow against the shiny, dark green mature foliage as they age through the season; the species name "erythrosora" — meaning "red sori" — references the bright red spore cases that appear on frond undersides in late summer and fall, an extra ornamental surprise many gardeners discover by accident. Native to woodland hillsides and mountain slopes of Japan, China, and Taiwan, it thrives in consistently moist, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil and is intolerant of drought or poor, compacted ground. Spreads slowly over time via short creeping rhizomes to form an expanding clump. Deer- and rabbit-resistant, low-maintenance, and largely trouble-free, though slugs may target emerging fronds in wet spring weather. Best sited away from strong winds to protect the delicate fronds. An excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, mass plantings, or container use in part shade to full shade.