Prolific Japanese Shield Fern

Stunning copper-pink new fronds emerge in spring and mature to glossy dark green, with a prolific self-layering habit that fills shaded areas with lush year-round texture. (Dryopteris erythrosora 'Prolifica')

$25.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Prolifica’ (Japanese Shield Fern) is a refined, semi-evergreen fern valued for its coppery-pink new fronds that mature to glossy green, providing multi-season interest. Hardy, deer resistant, and low-maintenance, it thrives in shaded, moist woodland gardens and borders, adding elegance and reliable structure. Perfect for pairing with Hostas, Astilbes, and other shade-loving perennials, it brings color, texture, and year-round appeal to the garden.

In stock (500)

Payment & Security

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

Growing Information

Growing zone guide

Growing Zone Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9

Sunlight Partial shade to full shade

Type of Soil Slightly acidic to neutral

Mature Height 18 to 24 inches

Maintenance Level Low maintenance

Water Requirement High water needs (twice a week)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information

Growth Rate	Moderate growth; steadily expands into clumps over time Clumps can be divided in early spring if desired for propagation
Colorful Leaves	Yes
Flowering	No
Bloom Color	N/A
Ornamental Berries	N/A
Disease resistant	Yes
Cold Tolerant	Yes
Heat Tolerant	Yes
Drought Tolerant	No
Deer Resistant	Yes
Edible	No
Wildlife Attraction	Provides habitat and shelter for insects, amphibians, and woodland wildlife Not a nectar or pollen plant, but contributes to shade garden ecosystems
Self-pollinating	N/A
Seasonality	Spring: coppery-pink young fronds unfurl, creating a colorful display Summer: fronds mature to rich green, maintaining a lush look Fall: foliage persists, with some fronds bronzing as temperatures cool Winter: semi-evergreen; in mild climates many fronds remain, while in colder zones they die back
Ideal For	– Woodland gardens, shaded borders, fern collections, naturalized shade plantings, companion to Hostas, Astilbes, and Heucheras, evergreen texture for shade beds
Leaf Description	Elegant, arching fronds with a lacy, finely cut texture New fronds emerge coppery to bronze-pink, gradually maturing to glossy deep green Semi-evergreen to evergreen in mild climates, providing year-round interest
Flower Description	None; ferns reproduce by spores instead of flowers
Pruning & Maintenance	Remove old, damaged, or tattered fronds in late winter to early spring before new growth emerges Snip back faded fronds in summer to maintain fresh appearance Regular tidying keeps the clump dense and attractive
Water Needs	Requires consistently moist soil, especially during hot or dry spells Avoid waterlogging, which can cause crown or root rot Mulching helps retain soil moisture and cool roots
Light Needs	Prefers partial to full shade, thriving in dappled woodland conditions Can tolerate some morning or filtered sun if soil remains consistently moist Avoid hot, direct afternoon sun which can scorch fronds
Harvesting	Not grown for harvest; fronds may be cut for decorative foliage in floral arrangements If harvested, sear stems in hot water or flame to stop sap flow
Fertilizing	Apply a top-dressing of compost or leaf mold each spring for slow-release nutrition Light feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can encourage vigor Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote weak growth
Additional Care Tips	N/A
Pollination	Ferns reproduce by spores, not flowers; no pollination required Spores form in sori (clusters) on undersides of fertile fronds during summer
Companion Plants	Combines well with Hostas, Heucheras, Astilbes, Pulmonarias, and Tiarellas in shaded borders Pairs beautifully with other ferns such as Athyrium, Polystichum, and Osmunda for varied textures Underplant with spring ephemerals like Trillium, Anemone, or Dicentra for layered seasonal displays Complements shade shrubs like Rhododendrons, Hydrangeas, and Camellias