Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' (Tokyo Wood Fern) is an evergreen fern prized for its coppery red new growth that matures to glossy deep green. This cultivar provides multi season color and texture in both shaded borders and woodland gardens alike.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Non flowering
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained, humus rich soil; tolerant of dry shade
Watering Needs: Moderate; benefits from mulching in dry periods
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from a species native to East Asia. Though not North American, it is well adapted to shade gardens and widely used in ornamental horticulture.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Beneficial Insects
- Offers dense, moisture conserving cover that supports habitat for ground beetles, lacewings, and spiders that help regulate pest populations.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow clumps to mature fully and retain their compact arching form.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for shaded borders, foundation plantings, container gardens, and woodland paths where rich foliage and seasonal color are desired. Tolerates urban conditions and dry shade under trees.
Companion Plants
- Helleborus foetidus (Bearsfoot Hellebore) - Adds evergreen structure and winter blooms to dry shade beds.
- Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger) - Provides lush, ground hugging foliage that complements the vertical form of ferns.
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' - Offers silvery patterned foliage and spring blooms to contrast fern texture.
- Lamium maculatum 'Pink Pewter' - Provides ground cover with variegated leaves and soft spring flowers.
- Epimedium x rubrum - Adds spring flowers and drought tolerance to shaded plantings.