Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial, Fern

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Bronze, Dark Green, Red

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Shade

 

Water

High

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Japanese, Tropical, Water Garden, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio

 

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Autumn fern is one of the few ferns that will survive in our hot, arid summers. Young fronds have a coppery-red tint that changes to deep green as leaves mature. Grows about 1 to 2 feet high, and spreads about 15 to 18 inches by underground stems. Considered drought tolerant for a fern, but it will require regular watering in our arid climate.

Hardy to USDA Zone 5. Grow in full to bright shade. Prefers soils high in organic content, but doesn't tolerate standing water. Ferns can be difficult to establish in our gardens; try tucking it into shady spots around the bases of taller, woody shrubs to provide protection from both summer sun and winter's wind.