If you’ve got a place that gets very little sun, that’s his dream. In sunnier spots he’ll need a lot of water.
Ferns like their soil always moist (not soggy, please), so water him frequently.
Trim off dead growth as needed, to keep him looking fresh.
Botanical name
Dryopteris erythrosora
Nickname
Copper shield fern
Plant type
Outdoor evergreen
Plant height (including pot)
20-30cm
Pet/Baby safe?
Yes
Nursery pot size
17cm
Like most ferns, you’ll find the copper shield fern in the wild in damp, gloomy places. This one will really cheer up any dark spot with its handsome leaves. They emerge a rich, copper-y red colour, then turn dark green as they grow.
This fern grows best in conditions that most other plants would find too dark, so it’s hugely popular in north-facing gardens or outdoor space with shady spot. Copper shield fern is very easy to grow. You can either keep it in a pot or plant it in the ground. Either way, make sure to keep its soil good and moist.
It should keep its leaves through winter, unless the temperature dips well below zero. If any of its leaves are damaged in winter, just trim them off in early spring. In fact, it’s good to give it a bit of a trim in early spring anyway, just to remove any old, yellow or brown growth.
You’ll be able to grow this fern in just about any garden. Although it loves shade it will be happy with a few hours of sun per day and it’s not really bothered by wind. It’s a garden star.
Did you know?
As it matures (after many years), a golden shield fern can start to take tree form, with a trunk as much as 40cm across.
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