Bring bold color and elegant texture to your shade garden with Dryopteris lepidopoda, commonly known as the Sunset Fern. This striking evergreen to semi-evergreen woodland fern is known for its dramatic new growth in brilliant copper, orange, pink, and red shades before maturing to glossy deep green.

Native to the Himalayas and East Asia, Sunset Fern forms an upright, arching clump that adds year-round structure and vibrant seasonal contrast to woodland gardens, shaded borders, rain gardens, and containers. Its fiery spring foliage makes it a standout hardy fern for shade landscapes.

Why Gardeners Choose Sunset Fern

• Stunning copper-red spring foliage
• Glossy evergreen to semi-evergreen fronds
• Ideal for woodland and shade gardens
• Thrives in moist, rich soil
• Deer resistant and low maintenance
• Suitable for containers and foundation plantings
• Hardy perennial with year-round interest

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Dryopteris lepidopoda
• Common Name: Sunset Fern
• Plant Type: Evergreen / Semi-Evergreen Fern
• Foliage Color: Copper-red new growth maturing to deep green
• Mature Height: 24–36 inches
• Mature Spread: 24–36 inches
• Growth Habit: Upright, arching clump
• Light Requirements: Partial Shade to Full Shade
• Water Needs: Moderate to High
• Soil Needs: Rich, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
• Hardiness Zones: 5–8
• Characteristics: Deer resistant, woodland perennial, colorful foliage, low maintenance

Garden Uses

Woodland gardens, shade borders, foundation plantings, rain gardens, fern collections, erosion control on shaded slopes, shaded containers and patios, underplanting beneath trees and shrubs.

Companion Plants

Pairs well with Hosta, Heuchera (Coral Bells), Astilbe, Tiarella (Foamflower), Japanese Forest Grass, Brunnera, and Western Sword Fern to create rich texture and layered woodland color.

Care Tips

• Plant in rich, moisture-retentive soil
• Keep soil evenly moist, especially during warm weather
• Protect from intense afternoon sun
• Mulch annually to conserve moisture and improve soil health
• Remove old fronds in early spring before new growth appears
• Best grown in sheltered woodland-style conditions