Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance'
Best low-maintenance choice for shade gardeners seeking year-round color.
The Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance', or Autumn Fern, is a striking perennial celebrated for its vibrant, long-lasting orange-red new foliage. This cultivar surpasses standard Autumn Ferns in color intensity and often retains its foliage year-round, providing evergreen interest. It thrives in light to heavy shade, preferring well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter and consistent moisture. Growing to about 2 feet tall and 18 inches wide, this slow-growing fern is remarkably drought-tolerant once established and deer-resistant, making it an ideal, low-maintenance addition to woodland gardens.
$22.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 2989
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-20%
Below average
Mature Height
2.0
/ feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dynamic, multi-season foliage interest
- Homeowners managing dark, shaded landscape corners
- Busy gardeners wanting low-maintenance, pest-free plantings
Who should skip it
- Impatient landscapers needing immediate, full-coverage results
- Residents in regions with harsh, prolonged winter freezes
- Gardeners in arid climates or with poor irrigation
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
The intense orange-red new growth provides unmatched seasonal color contrast.
Shade Adaptability
Thrives reliably in low-light environments where other perennials often struggle.
Maintenance Ease
Slow growth and drought tolerance minimize the need for frequent intervention.
Pest Resistance
Natural deer resistance protects your garden investment from common wildlife damage.
Year-Round Appeal
Evergreen foliage ensures the garden maintains structure throughout the winter months.
Establishment Resilience
Requires consistent moisture initially but becomes remarkably tough once fully rooted.
Key Specs
Mature Height
2.0 feet
Mature Spread
18.0 inches
USDA Hardiness Zones
5 to 9
Preferred Soil pH
Slightly acid (4.0 to 7.0)
Growth Rate
Slow
SKU
S29060
Ships as
1 PINT 28.86 CU IN.
Warranty
1 year money-back guarantee
Features
- Vibrant red new growth lasts longer
- Tough and resilient low-maintenance plant
- Evergreen foliage for year-round appeal
- Deer resistant for protected gardens
- Drought tolerant once established
- Thrives in shade conditions
- Colorful spring foliage display
- Clumping growth habit
What customers say
Gardeners highly value the Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' primarily for its striking aesthetic appeal and proven hardiness in shade. The new fronds display a beautiful coppery orange that transitions smoothly to mature, glossy deep green foliage, offering reliable seasonal color. Buyers consistently note the plant's robust nature and ease of establishment, confirming it thrives in low light where other plants falter. The fern is frequently described as a reliable, pest-free performer, making it a highly recommended addition for woodland borders. Its consistent quality upon arrival further solidifies its reputation as a must-have shade plant.
Know before you buy
In many climates, this fern is evergreen, meaning it retains its foliage throughout the winter. However, in colder regions within its hardiness zones, the fronds may die back or look tired during the harshest winter months.
This cultivar prefers partial to full shade. While it can handle some dappled light, it is best to avoid direct, harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate fronds.
Yes, it is considered deer-resistant. While no plant is entirely deer-proof if food sources are scarce, the texture and taste of this fern are generally unappealing to deer.
The 'Brilliance' Autumn Fern is a slow-growing perennial. You should expect it to take several seasons to reach its full mature height of 2 feet and width of 18 inches.
It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay or very sandy, mixing in compost or peat moss at planting time will help provide the moisture retention and acidity it prefers.
While it is remarkably drought-tolerant once established, it performs best with consistent moisture. During the first year, keep the soil evenly moist, and provide supplemental water during extended dry spells thereafter.
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$22