The Sunset Fern is a hardy evergreen fern with upright, arching apple-green foliage. Characteristically, new fronds unfurl in glowing pink and red tones that lend it its common name.
Dryopteris lepidopoda is a perfect choice of fern to light up a shady border or to add colour and texture to a well watered container that provides interest all year round.
The native range of Dryopteris lepidopoda extends from Taiwan to the Himalayas, where it was originally collected.
At the time it was thought to be Drypoteris wallichiana, which at first glance it resembles, until the specimens they found developed new growth and the leaves emerged with their now iconic red, orange and pink sunset hues.
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: 0.7m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 0.5m
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: Deciduous
Sheds all its foliage annually, so for a period of the year it will be without foliage.
Lifecycle: Perennial
This plant is persistant and does not die off after flowering. It will return each season indefinitely, if provided with suitable growing conditions.
Expert Tip
The Sunset Fern is excellent for mass plantings in a range of terrain such as rock gardens, woodland gardens and even containers in damp shady positions.
Care & Size Guidance
This fern has low maintenance requirements and is easy to grow.
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Healthy lush perfect fern.
stacey H. –