Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Compacta’
Blooming Time
Exposure
Small size, longevity, and great seasonal interest are a few key features of this lovely fern, comparatively smaller than the straight species Dryopteris erythrosora. Compact autumn fern’s juvenile leaves emerge coppery green and mature to deep, dark green, then color up again in fall with more coppery hues. It is robust in habit and, while petite, it is effective in the border of virtually any shaded landscape.
Details
Hardiness Zone:
Blossom Color:
Growth Habit:
Clump Forming
Max Height:
1½'
Texture:
Recommended Spacing:
We sell this plant in these containers:
Special Characteristics
Features
Small size, longevity, and great seasonal interest. Juvenile leaves emerge coppery green and mature to deep, dark green, then color up again in fall with more coppery hues.
Landscape Value
Effective in the border of virtually any shaded landscape,
Care
Watering:
Compact Autumn Fern is moderately drought tolerant but benefits from occasional watering, to maintain soil in a moist but not wet condition, during the summer months.
Fertilizing:
Compact Autumn Fern is a moderate feeder, benefiting from a couple of annual applications of slow release fertilizer. A spring application of a 3-1-2 ratio (such as a 15-5-10) can be applied at a rate of about 10 pounds per 1000 square feet, and during early fall, an application of a 2-1-2 ratio (such as a 10-5-10) can be applied to encourage root development and cold hardiness.
Pruning:
Compact Autumn Fern is a deciduous plant (nonevergreen) and does not require pruning. It is perfectly acceptable to allow the dropped leaves to decompose and nourish the soil.