Choose Autumn Fern for a neat shade planting where you want copper new growth without a fern that runs. The tradeoff: it gives texture and color, not height, screening, or quick bed coverage.
Buy This If
You want tidy fern clumps.
Shade needs copper spring color.
You dislike aggressive spreaders.
Skip This If
You need rapid bed coverage.
You want a tall backdrop.
The soil dries out often.
PGNE Report Card
Category
Grade
Why
Landscape Impact
B+
The copper new growth gives shade beds notice without taking over the planting.
Growth Rate
B
It fills its own clump readily, but it will not spread like a running fern.
Maintenance
A-
Cleanup is simple, mainly removing tired fronds after winter.
Deer Resistance
C
This is not our first recommendation where deer browse heavily.
Small Space Fit
A
The clumping habit makes it easy to place near paths and foundations.
Screening Value
F
It is too low and open to serve as privacy or structure.
Compare It To
Brilliance Autumn Fern (#1)
Choose Brilliance Autumn Fern (#1) for stronger orange-red new growth; choose this plant for a quieter green finish.
Hay-Scented Fern (#1)
Choose this plant for controlled clumps; choose Hay-Scented Fern (#1) when you want a spreading fern patch.
Christmas Fern (#1)
Choose Christmas Fern (#1) for steadier winter foliage; choose this plant for copper-colored new fronds.
Our Experience
At PGNE, we'd typically recommend Autumn Fern for smaller shade beds where control matters more than coverage. If the goal is a broad woodland carpet, we'd move you to a spreading fern instead.
Plant Facts
Mature Height
18–24 in
Mature Width
18–24 in
Hardiness Zones
5a-9b
Spacing
18–24 in spacing
Sun
Part Shade to Shade
Moisture
Average to moist
Growth Habit
compact
Customers Usually Ask
Will it spread?
No, it stays in a clump and slowly widens.
Does the copper color last?
The new fronds emerge copper, then mature green.
Should I cut it back?
Remove winter-worn fronds in early spring before new growth pushes.
Why Add Ferns to Your Landscape?
Perfect for Shade Gardens: Ferns thrive in partial to full shade, making them ideal for woodland and foundation plantings.
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Top notch service and product quality. I didn’t know what to expect seeing the ads on Facebook, so I went to the greenhouse. They had a wonderful variety of products and a very helpful staff. The delivery and installers were fast, neat and friendly. Pro Growers will be me go to for now on!
