Lady Ferns - Athyrium filix-femina

The Lady Fern is a deciduous fern known for its robust growth and elegant appearance. While this plant is native to North America, it is also present in Europe and Asia. It is naturally found growing across a wide array of environments such as thickets, meadows, and ravines.

Fronds of this fern are generally bright green; however, this fern is known for its diversity of frond shape, size, and color. Due to its diversity of appearance, it is a favorite among gardeners and is one of the most ornamental native ferns in North America.

Plant Details - Lady Fern

Family: Athyriaceae

Hardiness Zones: 3–8

Light Requirement: Partial shade to full shade

Water Needs: Moderate to high

Height: 1.5 to 3 ft

Spread: 1 - 2.5 ft

Growth Rate: Moderate

Bloom Time: NA

Flower Color: NA

Wildlife Value: Provides cover for small woodland creatures

It is a clump forming fern growing up to 3 ft tall and 2.5 ft in width. Once established, it will form colonies quickly and can produce a stunning ground cover. It makes an ideal underplanting for taller trees and shrubs and will cover a wide swath of land efficiently given its fast-growing nature.

The Lady Fern is a particularly robust and tolerant fern across different environmental conditions. It is shade loving, however, it tolerates periods of direct sun as long as there is consistent moisture available. It is also tolerant of dry soils, more so than other ferns. Given these resilient characteristics, it is an ideal choice to plant in the hard to grow areas of your garden that are just too shady or dry for other plant species.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Lady Fern

This fern is easy to grow and virtually pest and disease-free. It is a shade loving plant, and will grow well in full to part shade environments. They prefer medium moisture, well-drained soil with rich humus, but will tolerant occasionally dry soils.

While they boast resilient biological characteristics, the fronds are fragile and can break under strong winds. Given its delicate nature, it is best to plant this fern in a wind-protected area.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Shade tolerant, diversity of appearance, easy to grow.

This delicate and elegant fern boasts a resilient and fast-growing habit that will provide long lasting greenery across your garden and/or woodland landscape. Shop for the Lady Fern online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Over 2 Feet

Care

Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) thrives in well-drained, consistently moist soil. Keep it hydrated, especially during dry periods. Mulch near the ground to maintain moisture and protect roots. Regularly pull any dead or impaired fronds to promote new growth.

Plant Reproduction

Lady Fern spreads through underground rhizomes and spores, forming clusters

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Fern Rhizomes

Bare root fern rhizomes are easy to plant and bring lush, woodland beauty to shaded or partially shaded areas. To begin, soak the rhizomes in water for 1–2 hours before planting to help rehydrate them. Choose a planting site with rich, well-draining soil high in organic matter. Ferns thrive in moisture-retentive soil, so amending with compost or leaf mold is ideal.

Dig a shallow hole wide enough to spread the rhizome out horizontally, and place it just below the soil surface with the growing tips (or “eyes”) facing upward. Cover lightly with soil, press gently, and water thoroughly. Keep the soil evenly moist—never dry or soggy—while the fern establishes.

Mulch with leaf litter or pine needles to conserve moisture and mimic the fern’s natural habitat. Avoid direct sunlight, as most native ferns prefer cool, shaded conditions. With patience and proper care, the rhizomes will send up new fronds and form a graceful, low-maintenance colony that returns year after year.

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