Japanese Shield Fern Dryopteris Erythrosora Prolifica, Hardy Shade Perennial Plants, 1 Litre Root Ball

Bring a touch of woodland elegance to your garden with this set of three Japanese Shield Ferns (Dryopteris erythrosora 'Prolifica'). Prized for its stunning coppery-bronze new fronds that unfurl in spring before maturing to a rich, glossy deep green, this fern adds year-round interest and texture to shady borders, woodland plantings and containers.

'Prolifica' is a particularly desirable compact form of the species, producing small bulbils along its fronds which give it a graceful, layered appearance. It is a reliable, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in shaded and partially shaded spots where many other plants struggle, making it an invaluable addition to any garden.

Each plant is supplied as a well-established 1 litre root ball, ready for planting straight into borders, beds or decorative pots.

What's Included:

• 3 or 6 x Dryopteris erythrosora 'Prolifica' (Japanese Shield Fern)


• Each supplied as a 1 litre root ball


• Well-established and ready to plant

Key Features:

• Striking coppery-bronze new growth matures to glossy dark green


• Compact, clump-forming habit – ideal for borders and containers


• Thrives in shade and partial shade where other plants may struggle


• Low maintenance and long-lived once established


• Semi-evergreen to evergreen in milder winters, providing year-round structure


• Excellent groundcover beneath trees, shrubs and in woodland gardens

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Dryopteris erythrosora 'Prolifica'


• Common Names: Japanese Shield Fern, Autumn Fern, Copper Shield Fern


• Classification: Semi-Evergreen Perennial Fern


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 30–45 cm × 30–45 cm


• Growth Habit: Compact, Clump-Forming Fern


• Perfect For: Shady Borders, Woodland Gardens, Underplanting, Containers


• Foliage Interest: Spring to Autumn (coppery-bronze new fronds maturing to glossy green)


• Planting Position: Partial Shade to Full Shade


• Soil Type: Moist, Well-Drained, Humus-Rich Soil


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (RHS H5–H6)


• Type: Hardy Semi-Evergreen Perennial Fern


• Foliage: Coppery-Bronze New Fronds Maturing to Glossy Dark Green; Triangular, Bipinnate Fronds

Planting and Care Tips:

• Plant in a sheltered, shaded or partially shaded position


• Prefers moist, humus-rich soil – add leaf mould or compost when planting


• Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system


• Mulch around the base in autumn to protect roots and retain moisture


• Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to encourage fresh new growth


• Can be grown successfully in containers using a peat-free, moisture-retentive compost