Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' 13cm pot

Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance'

Few ferns earn their keep in the shade garden quite like 'Brilliance'. Its young fronds unfurl in vivid coppery-orange, holding that colour for weeks before settling into a glossy, deep green — and true to its name, the display doesn't stop there, with fresh flushes of colour reappearing through spring and summer, and again with a reddish tinge come autumn. The result is a fern that earns its place as a focal point rather than mere backdrop.

Semi-evergreen and clump-forming, 'Brilliance' builds into a neat, shuttlecock-shaped mound of finely divided, triangular fronds. It's an excellent choice for woodland borders, shady beds and containers alike, and pairs beautifully with hostas, heucheras and other shade-loving companions. Non-toxic to pets, it's a safe and reliable option for gardens shared with cats and dogs.

Grow in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade, keeping the roots consistently moist, particularly during dry spells. An annual mulch of well-rotted organic matter will help retain moisture and feed the plant through the season. Tidy away any tatty fronds in early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge. Reaching a compact 45–60cm (18–24in) in height and spread, and fully hardy throughout the UK, it's an easy, low-maintenance addition to any shaded corner.

Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch.