Dryopteris erythrosora 'BRILLANCE' Japanese Rosy Buckler fern, autumn fern

Japanese Rosy Buckler Fern (autumn fern) is an evergreen and very attractive fern species easily distinguished by brightly coloured young leaves and distinctly regular fronds. Brillance is a selection with a richer shade of golden orange to copper-red on newly emerging foliage that turns light green only in late June.

The leaves are very glossy and the fronds are somewhat arching and 30-40 cm long. New leaves emerge up to three times a year offering an attractive colour show, and in autumn they all turn dark green and remain handsome during the winter. Brillance variety is so hardy that the foliage is often untouched by hard frost and does not need to be removed in spring, thus offering a beautiful, dark green background for newly emerging orange leaves in spring.

Japanese fern is a reliable and undemanding species, fern growers often make fun of it saying that it is for amateurs because it is almost indestructible. It can handle worse soil conditions and virtually thrives on neglect. It prefers partial shade but lives deep shade, too, acidic soil will enhance foliage colour but is not a must, and even moisture will help produce a dense tuft. It will not live in heavy clay or water-logged ground. Hardy to about -30 ° C (USDA zone 5) and only after severe winters is it necessary to remove old, unsightly and tired leaves in spring.

Last update: 07-06-2022