Autumn Fern
The Autumn Fern Is A Showy Ornamental
The Autumn fern, also known as the Japanese Red Shield fern, is a native of Japan and China. It grows very well along coastal areas of the United States, the entire west coast and southern half of the east coast, as well as in the American southwest, through Texas, and into the deep south. Whereas many fern species can only tolerate a rather narrow temperature range, this fern can handle temperatures ranging from 5 to 100 degrees F.
An easy to grow plant, it is quite slow growing, as it spreads by slowly creeping rhizomes, and while it makes an excellent ground cover, it is not considered invasive. Of the 12,000 or so species of ferns in the world, the Autumn fern is certainly one of the more colorful. Its fiddleheads and youngest leaves are bronze to a copper-red in color, at times even exhibiting a pinkish hue. These frond colors are retained throughout the spring growth, slowly changing to green over the summer. The cut fronds are excellent in floral arrangements. Strangely enough, while called the "Autumn fern", the plant is at its most colorful in the spring.
The fern is not a true evergreen; however it will tend to retain its green color through most of the winter in mild winter areas. In warmer climates, it will remain green throughout the year. In a garden setting, year-old fronds should be cut back for the sake of appearance. The Autumn fern has a somewhat messy growth characteristic, being rather tangly in appearance, and for that reason is better suited in the garden, or as ground cover, than as a container plant. It's an upright fern with the fronds growing to about 2' in length, and clumps typically spreading to between 12 and 15 inches.
As is the case with most ferns, the Autumn fern prefers growing in a shady location. Unlike many fern species though, it can tolerate an hour or two of direct sun during the day. While it can survive in a variety of soil types, it prefers a rich, loamy, and somewhat acidic soil. It will do very well in a typical fern planting mix consisting of equal parts of good garden or potting soil, peat or sphagnum moss, and sand. It should planted in an area having good drainage, but kept moist, although it is much more drought tolerant than is the case with most fern species. An annual mix of compost in the soil will generally take care if the fern's nutritional needs.
Like most ferns, the Autumn fern is for the most part, pest and disease resistant, although is it somewhat susceptible to rust and leaf spot fungus. It is easy to grow however, and provides a bright spot in the garden. It is particularly attractive when planted along with hosta, and wild ginger.