Dryopteris lepidopoda 'Jurassic Gold'

Sunset Fern - Jurassic Gold Dryopteridaceae

A fern with rather more theatrical ambition than most: ‘Jurassic Gold’ produces spectacular young fronds in glowing gold, copper and orange, before settling into handsome dark green. It was formerly widely sold as Dryopteris wallichiana ‘Jurassic Gold’, but has subsequently been identified as D. lepidopoda by fern specialist Christopher Fraser-Jenkins. The species is native from the Himalaya through southern-central China and Myanmar to Taiwan, occurring mainly in temperate montane woodland. 

A particularly useful fern for dry shade once established, despite its preference for moisture-retentive soil while young. Grow in humus-rich, acid to neutral soil in partial to full shade, with good drainage—winter waterlogging is best avoided. The new growth makes an excellent spring focal point beneath trees and shrubs.

Hardiness: H5/H6 (-20 to -10°C)
Height: 60–90cm
Spread: 60–90cm