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A photo showing green fronds of a Lady Fern plant growing in a natural outdoor setting with scattered foliage on the ground.
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Lady Fern

Lady Fern

Enhances garden's lush greenery

Low-maintenance and hardy plant

Versatile in garden designs

$6.39

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Why Lady Ferns Are a Top Choice at TN Nursery

Lady Ferns (Athyrium filix-femina) remain one of the most in-demand shade plants offered at TN Nursery. Their elegant, feather-like fronds bring a soft woodland charm to any shaded garden space. As a grower established in 1959 and trusted by landscapers nationwide, TN Nursery is recognized for providing strong, healthy native ferns that are ideal for long-term landscape success.

Lady Fern Growing Conditions and Benefits

These ferns are shade-tolerant ferns and easy native ferns, and “best low-maintenance ferns.” They thrive in part to full shade, prefer humus-rich soil, and produce larger blooms each season. Despite their delicate appearance, they are hardy, resilient, and capable of withstanding cold winters, damp springs, and fluctuating summer temperatures.

Easy Care and Establishment

TN Nursery ships all fern plants as vigorous bare-root plants for fast establishment. They require minimal effort from gardeners—just consistent moisture and protection from harsh, direct sunlight. Once planted, they spread gradually and fill shaded areas with lush, layered texture.

Perfect Plant Companions

They pair beautifully with other woodland favorites, such as trillium, wild ginger, mosses, and hostas. Together, these native plants support soil health, create natural habitat layers, and elevate shaded gardens with organic structure.

TN Nursery’s Expertise in Native Ferns

When you purchase Lady Ferns from TN Nursery, you’re choosing plants backed by decades of horticultural knowledge and trusted grower-direct quality. Our commitment to native, eco-friendly gardening makes this beauty a top pick for restoration projects, erosion control, and natural shade gardens across the United States.

Do lady ferns like sun or shade?

They thrive in partial to full shade, where the soil stays cool and moist. They grow beautifully under trees or in woodland gardens. Their delicate fronds add graceful texture and lush greenery to shaded spaces.

Do lady ferns come back every year?

Yes, they return every year, growing back fresh and full each spring. Once established, they form lovely clumps that expand over time. Their reliable growth makes them a lasting favorite in shade gardens.

How often should I water a lady fern?

Water the soil regularly to keep it evenly moist, especially during dry periods. They thrive in damp, well-drained soil that never fully dries out. Consistent moisture helps their fronds remain lush and vibrant throughout the entire season.

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

How To Grow & Care Tips

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.

Caring Tips

How do I care for my Lady Fern?

Each box contains detailed care instructions and information about your product. But here's the basics.

Care Tips

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.

Light Requirements

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.

Hardy Planting Zones

4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9

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