Botanical Name: Dryopteris erythrosora

Common Name: Autumn Fern

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 5–9)

Size: 18–24" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Clump-Forming Fern

Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade (Tolerates Morning Sun)

Soil: Prefers Moist, Well-Drained, Organic-Rich Soil

Water Needs: Moderate; Consistent Moisture for Best Appearance

Bloom Season: N/A (Foliage Plant)

Fertilizer: Light Feeding in Spring with Organic Matter

Features: Coppery-Red New Growth, Glossy Evergreen to Semi-Evergreen Foliage, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance

Uses: Ideal for Shade Gardens, Woodland Gardens, Borders, Mass Plantings, and Containers

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

More About Autumn Ferns

Autumn Fern is a those shade plants that earns its keep. The real draw is the foliage; new fronds emerge in rich coppery-red tones in Spring, then slowly mature into a deep, glossy green as the season progresses. That color shift gives it a depth and interest that others Ferns simply don’t have. I like that it brings something new early in the season, right when shaded areas can still feel flat or bare.

What sets Autumn Fern apart from more delicate ferns is its structure. It forms a sturdy, upright clump that holds its shape instead of collapsing or thinning out by midsummer. In milder climates, it stays evergreen or semi-evergreen, which adds real value in the off-season when shade gardens often disappear. It feels substantial without being bulky, and refined without being fussy. That balance makes it easy to use in both formal and relaxed plantings.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

Autumn Fern has proven itself to be one of the most reliable Ferns we grow. It handles heat and humidity far better than many traditional ferns, which is especially important in Southern summers. The foliage stays clean with very little attention, and we rarely see issues that require intervention. Once established, it settles in and just does what it’s supposed to do. That kind of consistency is something I value highly in shade plants.

We also appreciate how versatile it is in the landscape. It works beautifully as a foundation plant in shaded borders, under trees and shrubs, or tucked into mixed plantings where you need strong foliage contrast. I often pair it with hostas, heuchera, and hellebores, where its upright form and glossy leaves really stand out. Deer have consistently left it alone for us, and it doesn’t spread aggressively or wander. Autumn Fern is easy to manage, dependable year after year, and brings structure to shade gardens in a way few plants can.

Autumn Fern vs. Other Ferns

Autumn Fern is the most dynamic fern in terms of seasonal interest. Compared to Holly Ferns, it’s softer in texture and far more colorful during new growth, especially in early Spring when the fronds emerge in warm copper and bronze tones. It’s tougher than Maidenhair Ferns and less demanding overall, handling temperature swings and imperfect moisture with ease. Against Button and Lemon Button Ferns, it’s clearly an outdoor-first plant, built for woodland and shade gardens. The coppery new fronds are what set it apart.

Autumn Ferns don't sprawl like Asparagus Ferns. The fronds remain upright and well-formed rather than floppy, which helps it read clean and intentional in mixed plantings. Autumn Ferns also don't doesn’t demand the attention of Staghorn Ferns. They;re dependable, cold-hardy, and visually interesting without being loud. I like Autumn Fern when I want subtle color changes and a natural, layered look in shaded landscapes.