Prolific Lacy Autumn Fern

For a charming ferny feature, with finely-divided fronds giving a lacy look, the Lacy Autumn Fern is a top choice. Its beauty doesn’t stop there, because this fern also has wonderful golden-orange to copper-pink new fronds in spring, as if fall has come early. Since it is evergreen, these rise up from the center of the plant, among the still-green fronds of the previous year. As they mature, the new fronds turn summer green, and don’t fade in fall. This unique variety of the Japanese shield fern also produces small baby plants along the edges of older fronds, which can be removed to replant, or will drop naturally in good conditions to spread, but not at all in an invasive way. It is relatively sun-tolerant – more so than other ferns – and grows between 2 and 3 feet tall. It’s a great choice for woodland gardens, shady banks, in beds with other shade-loving plants, and also in pots, where it makes a great specimen for a shady terrace, courtyard or balcony.

• Rich orange to copper-pink new fronds in spring
• A bold evergreen clump of bright-green fronds, 2-3 feet tall
• Tiny baby plants are produced along the edges of older fronds
• Also tolerates more sun than many other ferns do
• Attractive choice for pots in shady gardens

The Lacy Autumn Fern will tolerate full-sun in cooler zones, if the soil is moist enough. Otherwise plant it with some morning sun, or in light all-day shade, preferably beneath deciduous trees or at the foot of a north-facing wall. Plant in rich, moist, well-drained soil, and water as needed, because this plant isn’t significantly drought tolerant. It isn’t bothered by deer or by rabbits, and normally has no pests or diseases. Remove any dead fronds as needed – although evergreen, fronds only live for a couple of years before turning brown. In more natural settings the brown fronds will just disappear beneath new growth, making this plant virtually maintenance-free.