Lady Fern - An Elegant Shade-Loving Fern
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 grows naturally across various 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 ferns in North America.
Overview of Lady Fern
Family: Athyriaceae
Hardiness Zones: 3–8
Light Requirement: Partial 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
Wildlife Value: Provides cover for small woodland creatures
Lady Fern - Shade-tolerant, Diversity of Appearance, Easy to Grow
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 produce a stunning ground cover once established. It makes an ideal underplanting for taller trees and shrubs will covering 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 tolerate occasionally dry soils.
While they boast resilient biological characteristics, the fronds are fragile and can break under strong winds. Given its delicate nature, planting this fern in a wind-protected area is best.
Noteworthy Characteristics
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.
Exposure
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) thrives in dappled or filtered light, typically found under the canopy of trees. It prefers partial to full shade, where it can avoid direct sunlight that might scorch its delicate fronds.
Height at Maturity
Over 2 Feet
Usage
Shade Border Plants
Shipped As
Bare-root
Ships
USPS
Planting Zones
3-9