Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum Lady in Red (Lady Fern)

Noted for its bright red stems, Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum ‘Lady in Red’ (Lady Fern) is an upright, slowly-spreading, deciduous fern forming a pretty rosette of erect to arching, ruby to garnet red stems bearing lacy, light green fronds. The contrast between the brightly colored stipes and the green fronds is of the best effect.

Noted for its bright red stems, Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum 'Lady in Red' (Lady Fern) is an upright, slowly-spreading, deciduous fern forming a pretty rosette of erect to arching, ruby to garnet red stems bearing lacy, light green fronds. The contrast between the brightly colored stipes and the green fronds is of the best effect. The colorful stems usually develop a year or two after planting and will be less conspicuous in deep shade. Fast-growing, this fern is easy to grow and perfect for filling gaps between shrubs or under trees. Plant this elegant fern in drifts and underplant with small, early flowering bulbs, such as snowdrops (Galanthus), as these will appear before the fronds, extending the season of interest of your planting.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities.
  • Grows up to 30-36 in. tall (75-90 cm) and 24 in. wide (60 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade in fertile, humus-rich, neutral to acid, moist, but well-drained soils. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Will tolerate full sun, if consistent moisture is provided. Provide a sheltered location.
  • This plant is a great choice for shady beds and borders, underplanting of shrubs, or cottage gardens.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Rabbit resistant.
  • Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
  • Propagate by division.
  • Athyrium filix-femina species is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Athyrium – Lady Ferns
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Clay Soil, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden