Growing Hydrangeas in Pots: Choosing Varieties, Planting and Care
Hydrangeas grow well in pots when the variety, container and compost are chosen with their eventual size and moisture needs in mind. Learn how to plant, water, feed and protect...
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Dryopteris erythrosora
Copper Shield Fern
I hold the RHS | Award of Garden Merit
Dryopteris erythrosora, the copper shield fern, forms a neat shuttlecock of divided fronds, with new growth emerging coppery-red to bronze before maturing to glossy green. This changing colour gives it more seasonal character than a plain green fern. It is particularly useful under shrubs or in shaded borders on humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil.
✅ Coppery new fronds mature through bronze to green
✅ Semi-evergreen foliage gives a long season of interest
✅ Useful, low-maintenance fern for shade and underplanting
Plant Details
Size
- Max Height
- 0.5 m — 1.0 m
- Max Spread
- 0.5 m — 1.0 m
- Growth Habit
- Grows in tight bunches from base, forming rounded groups.
Planting Position
- Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
- Full Sun Full Shade Part Shade
- Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
- North South East West
- Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
- Sheltered
- Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
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(−10 to −5 °C) Hardy in most of Ireland
Ideal Soil Conditions
- Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
- Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
- Moist but permeable / Poorly-drained / Free draining
- Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Plant Uses & Merits
- Uses
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- Flower Borders
- Underplanting
- Merits
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- Generally disease-free
- Generally pest-free
- Low Maintenance
- RHS | Award Of Garden Merit
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Mophead, lacecap, panicle, smooth, oakleaf and climbing hydrangeas differ in far more than flower shape. This guide compares their growth, flowering habit, preferred position and garden use to help you...
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How to Grow Hydrangeas in Ireland: The Complete Guide
Hydrangeas are well suited to many Irish gardens, provided the type is matched to the position. This guide covers choosing Hydrangeas, light and soil, planting, watering, feeding, pruning, flower colour,...
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Climbing hydrangeas are self-clinging, shade-tolerant woody climbers that can cover substantial walls, fences and mature trees, but they establish slowly and need a permanent position. This guide explains siting, support,...
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Best Hydrangeas for Small Gardens
Small gardens can accommodate hydrangeas very well when mature size and habit are considered from the outset. Compare compact mophead, panicle, oakleaf and lacecap choices that give substantial summer interest...
