Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’

Western Sword Fern

(4 customer reviews)

From: £11.95

Delicate in appearance, but a hardy survivor in nature, The Japanese Shield Fern is a show-stopping specimen that provides a lot of seasonal interest and has a slowly spreading habit deserving of its popularity amongst garden designers.

Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’ has finely divided dark green leaves which, unusually for ferns, has seasonal colour value. Young fronds unfurl with a reddish hue, turning to a coppery pink before maturing into a deep glossy green. In autumn particularly bright orange-red spores appear on the undersides of the leaves, hence the other common name ‘Autumn Fern’.

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Origin: China to temperate E. Asia
Genus: Dryopteris
Species / Cultivar: erythrosora 'Brilliance'
Common Name: Western Sword Fern
Synonym: Aspidium erythrosorum

Plant Biography

The Japanese Shield Fern is native to Japan, China and across temperate East Asia.

Its species name erythrosora comes from Greek – ‘eryhtros’ mmeaning red and ‘sora’ meaning sori, which makes reference to its iconic red sori that makes this fern so striking. It can produce several new flushes over the course of each season, which prolongs the interest of the coppery coloured emerging fronds, easily striking enough for use as a specimen plant.

In a UK garden in combines particularly well alongside Mahonia fortuneii and Holly Fern for mixed planting in a shady part of the garden.

Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’
Soil: Moisture Retaining
Soil that drains at a slower rate due to higher organic matter content.
Growth Rate: Medium
Expect to see moderate growth during growing season.
Water Requirement: High
Likely to require supplementary watering in warmer months, even once established.
Maintenance: Low
Minimal skill or input needed beyond the basics, a very independent plant.
Situation: Part Shade
Enjoys several hours of direct sunlight but may enjoy dappling or shade at midday.
Eventual Height: 1.2m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 0.8m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Fully Hardy
Will survive unprotected outdoors in most areas of the UK, even in the harshest winters.
Habit: Semi Evergreen
May only remain evergreen in milder winters, or only loose leaves for a short period.

Expert Tip

Due to short creeping rhizomes, Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' has a spreading habit which, alongside its hardy nature, makes it also perfect for use as ground cover.
Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

This is a semi evergreen fern in the UK climate, where it is particularly low maintenance. Whilst its preferred location is in part sun, it can withstand full shade and, once established, is drought tolerant.

Received my fern today and I am really happy, the plant is so healthy and well packaged. This is my first order and I will definitely be purchasing more from this company. Thank you for all your correspondence along the way

Janice H.

Received my fern today and I am really happy, the plant is so healthy and well packaged. This is my first order and I will definitely be purchasing more from this company. Thank you for all your correspondence along the way

4 customer reviews for Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’

Fern arrived in perfect condition. Very well packaged – the best I’ve ever received a plant and I’ve ordered plants from many companies. Quick delivery too and kept up to date on order. Very happy.

Melissa Hughes (verified owner)

Received my fern today and I am really happy, the plant is so healthy and well packaged. This is my first order and I will definitely be purchasing more from this company. Thank you for all your correspondence along the way

Janice H.

Plants very healthy, very happy customer

Kate C.

I have been asked to write a review of this item. Since purchasing it on 29 October I have had no notice of despatch, and when I enquired about this I had no response. Being asked to write a review is, quite frankly, a bit cheeky!

Emma Spary