What’s a Garden Map?
Ready-made flower bed designs, printed on a high-quality landscaping fabric for a hassle-free DIY experience.
Products coming soon!
Shop Flower Gardens
Family: Wood Fern
Type: Fern
Other Common Name: Japanese Red Shield Fern
The Apple Court Japanese Painted Fern, known scientifically as Dryopteris erythrosora, is a captivating fern variety. It’s renowned for its unique coloration and delicate texture.
This fern features fronds that exhibit a blend of apple-green, silver, and burgundy. The colors are especially vibrant in the spring and create a striking visual contrast.
It’s a relatively low-maintenance plant, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to shaded areas. The fern thrives in cooler, shady environments, making it an ideal choice for underplanting and shaded borders.
Hardiness Zone: 4b-9b
Moisture Preference: Average to wet
Sun Needs: Partial shade to shade
Growth Rate: Medium
Average Height (feet): 1.5
Average Spread (feet): 2
Average Life Span (years): 15
Form: Spreading
Foliage Color: Green
Foliage Shape: Ferny
Using Apple Court Japanese Painted Fern in landscaping brings a sophisticated feel to shaded areas. It’s perfect for creating an understated yet elegant look.
This fern pairs well with other shade-loving plants. It creates a harmonious blend of textures and colors in woodland or shade gardens.
Incorporate it into rock gardens or near water features. Its delicate fronds contrast beautifully with the hard textures of rocks and the fluidity of water.
The natural habitat of the Apple Court Japanese Painted Fern is emulated in woodland gardens. Here, its unique foliage complements the dappled light and rich, organic soil typical of these settings.
In a Japanese garden, this fern adds a soft, feathery texture and blends well with the minimalist and natural approach. Its colors harmonize with the serene, contemplative atmosphere of such gardens.
Shade gardens, often challenging due to limited light, are ideal for the Apple Court Japanese Painted Fern. It thrives in low light, bringing color and life to otherwise dark areas.
Group together for a lush, textured look. Clusters of these ferns create a sea of color and texture, ideal for shaded areas.
Use as an understory plant under larger shrubs or trees. It thrives in the dappled shade provided by taller plants.
Combine with hostas or heucheras for a varied shade garden. The different leaf shapes and colors complement each other beautifully.
In spring, the new fronds of the Apple Court Japanese Painted Fern emerge with a striking coppery-pink hue. As they unfurl, they reveal the unique silver and green variegation.
During summer, the fern's fronds fully mature. They display a blend of green and silver, with hints of burgundy, creating a cool, tranquil appearance.
In the fall, the fern maintains its color but may become more muted. The fronds start to prepare for dormancy, but the plant remains visually appealing.
In winter, the Apple Court Japanese Painted Fern becomes dormant. The fronds may die back, especially in colder climates, but the plant will rejuvenate in spring.
Hosta 'Guacamole'
Visions in Pink Astilbe
Heuchera 'Forever Red'
Apple Court Japanese Painted Fern should be planted in a shady or partially shady area. It’s ideal for those spots in the garden where few other plants can thrive due to lack of sunlight.
This fern prefers low to medium light conditions, thriving best in partial shade. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch its delicate fronds.
Rich, well-draining, and moist soil is best for the Apple Court Japanese Painted Fern. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. Incorporate organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility.
Space these ferns about 12 to 18 inches apart. This spacing allows each plant enough room to spread its fronds and ensures adequate air circulation.
The best time to plant is in the spring or early fall. Cooler temperatures and less intense sunlight allow the fern to establish itself without stress.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Set the fern in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Mulching can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at the soil level to avoid wetting the fronds directly.
Fertilize in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the delicate balance of the fern.
Minimal pruning is required. Remove any dead or damaged fronds to keep the plant looking tidy and healthy.
In spring, as new growth appears, ensure the soil remains moist. It's also the ideal time to apply a layer of compost or balanced fertilizer.
During summer, maintain consistent moisture levels, especially in periods of drought. Monitor for pests and diseases, although this fern is generally trouble-free.
In fall, reduce watering as the plant prepares for dormancy. Clear away any fallen leaves to prevent fungal issues.
In winter, provide a layer of mulch for added protection, especially in colder regions. The fern will die back but will return in spring.
Athyrium Nippocum 'Pictum'
Nephrolepsis bisarrata
Polystichum munitum
The Apple Court Japanese Painted Fern grows at a moderate rate, filling in its space within a season or two.
Yes, the Apple Court Japanese Painted Fern is generally resistant to deer, making it a great choice for gardens with deer pressure.
Absolutely, this fern can thrive in containers as long as it has enough space to spread its fronds and the soil remains consistently moist.
Sign up below to be the first to learn about exclusive deals, discounts, and new collections!
We’ll also deliver the latest tips, trends, and gardening inspiration straight to your inbox.
A big thank you for subscribing to the PBN Design newsletter.
We're thrilled to have you join our community. Get ready for exciting updates, insightful content, and more delivered straight to your inbox.
Stay tuned!
Go backA big thank you for subscribing to the PBN Design newsletter.
We're thrilled to have you join our community. Get ready for exciting updates, insightful content, and more delivered straight to your inbox.
Stay tuned!
Go back
