Dryopteris lepidopoda - Sunset Fern

Dryopteris lepidopoda is a semi-evergreen botanical fern that doesn't go unnoticed in spring, when its surprising juvenile fronds appear in the colours of dawn. They display a wide range of salmon, orange, and pink shades before adopting a more sober livery, showing an intense and shiny green, very bright in the shade. As it ages, the plant forms a relatively short basal trunk from which tough and curved fronds emerge, giving it a naturally elegant habit. Quite easy to grow in partial shade in any fresh and well-drained soil, it will reach its full potential in a rich and deep, very humus-rich soil. It will make a great impact in an exotic flowerbed or in a large container.

Dryopteris lepidopoda is part of a large group of plants called Dryopteris ferns, which are all deciduous or semi-evergreen terrestrial species belonging to the Dryopteridaceae family. Dryopteris lepidopoda is native to the Himalayas, China, and Tibet. An adult plant will form a tuft of 60 to 70cm (24 to 28in) in height, with a spread of 60cm (24in). Growing from an ascending rhizome, it develops a 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) tall stipe (small trunk), covered with dark brown scales. Its arrow-shaped fronds originate from the stipe, first resembling light brown, soft, and scaly croziers. Each crozier unfurls, spreading its pointed and upward-curving pinnae, adopting different ephemeral shades that will give way to a warm green. The upper side of the frond is slightly darker than the lower side, light green. Each frond can reach 80cm (32in) in length and 20cm (8in) in width and may persist if the winter is not too harsh. The emergence of new fronds throughout the summer gives this fern lasting ornamental value.

Dryopteris lepidopoda is as beautiful as a bouquet of flowers, attractive for a large part of the year and easy to grow. It can be associated with Soleirolia, Eucomis, hostas, hydrangeas, and shrubby fuchsias, always in filtered light or shade. In an exotic-style garden, it will attract all the attention. Its large colourful fronds will emerge from the shade in a slightly neglected corner of the terrace if it is planted in a large container filled with fertile soil.