• Image of Dryopteris purpurella|J. Levy Gdn, TN|

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Dryopteris purpurella

Giant Autumn Fern

This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

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Item #: 4295

Zones: 5a to 9b

Dormancy: Evergreen

Height: 30" tall

Culture: Part Sun to Shade

Origin: Japan

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


(aka: Dryopteris erythrosora var. purpurascens) Just imagine an autumn fern on steroids, and you have Dryopteris purpurella. Where D. erythrosora has 18" fronds, those of D. purpurella can reach 3' or more. This easy-to-grow clumping fern is composed of arching dark green evergreen fronds which emerge bright cinnamon red in spring and summer. According to fern guru Dr. John Mickel, "It is surely one of the most beautiful ferns in cultivation." Need I say more!