Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
In spring, the new fronds emerge with a bronze flush, but as they age they turn dark green and develop a leathery texture. The colour of the stem is attractive too, being a bright red initially, but losing its intensity over time. This evergreen fern will slowly spread to form a good-sized clump, so makes excellent groundcover in a woodland garden.
Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould or garden compost into the planting hole. Cut back decayed fronds in winter to allow new growth to emerge.
