Copper Shield Compact Fern 'Dryopteris erythrosora'

Don't be afraid to plant in dry shade, just make sure these are kept well-watered.

Planting Advice:

• Before planting, prepare the soil by digging over and removing any weeds. Incorporate well-rotted manure or pine mulch to enrich the soil if necessary, as ferns enjoy rich and fertile soil.
• When planting several ferns, arrange them on the surface so you can see how they will look once maturing.
• Individually knock out each plant from the containers. Look at the roots – if they are circling around the compost, it is best to tease them out. To do this, push your fingers into the root ball along the bottom edge and pull. Do this in a couple of places. This should encourage the roots to spread into the surrounding soil.
• Next use a trowel or spade to create a hole just deep and wide enough to set in the root ball - the aim is to bury just the roots, leaving the crown of the fern above ground.
• Firm back around the soil, using your hand for small clumps and your heel on larger areas.
• Water in well from below the fronds to settle the soil and prevent desiccation.

Aftercare Advice:

• Low maintenance and easy to grow, just feed and water ferns regularly from below the fronds until they are fully established.
• Will require protection from frosts.
• In spring, tidy and add a mulch of well-rotted manure or garden compost around the crown of each plant.

Pruning Advice:

• Little pruning is needed and don't cut back ferns in the autumn - leave the fronds as protection for the crowns of the plants.
• Clean up old, dead fronds in the early spring before the new fronds uncurl. Clear away any debris to encourage good air circulation.