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Growth Rate
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Moderate growth; steadily expands into clumps over time
Clumps can be divided in early spring if desired for propagation
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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No |
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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Provides habitat and shelter for insects, amphibians, and woodland wildlife
Not a nectar or pollen plant, but contributes to shade garden ecosystems
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Seasonality
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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
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Ideal For
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– Woodland gardens, shaded borders, fern collections, naturalized shade plantings, companion to Hostas, Astilbes, and Heucheras, evergreen texture for shade beds |
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Leaf Description
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- 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
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Flower Description
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None; ferns reproduce by spores instead of flowers |
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Planting Instructions
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Plant in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil; amend with compost or leaf mold for best results
Choose a shaded or partially shaded site, sheltered from harsh wind and direct afternoon sun
Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow clumps to develop naturally
Plant crown at soil level; avoid planting too deep to prevent crown rot
Mulch with shredded leaves, compost, or bark to conserve moisture and enrich soil
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Pruning & Maintenance
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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
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Water Needs
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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
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Light Needs
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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
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Harvesting
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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
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Fertilizing
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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
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Pollination
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Ferns reproduce by spores, not flowers; no pollination required
Spores form in sori (clusters) on undersides of fertile fronds during summer
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Companion Plants
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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
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