lady fern Interesting Notes

Athyrium filix-femina angustum f. rubellum 'Lady in Red', or subarctic lady fern, is strong growing and dependable. It grows shorter than the straight species, between 2-2 ½ feet tall and spreads to 3’ in five years. Its fine luminescent foliage is contrasted with a dark brilliant red stem, making it a great choice to combine with perennial borders and woodlands alike. A breathtaking flush of new fronds appears in the spring, with new leaves appearing throughout the season for a continuously fresh look.

Lady fern flourishes in bright shade and moist, rich, organic soil. Athyrium filix-femina is circumglobal but the subspecies, angustum or subarctic lady fern, runs from Greenland to North Carolina and can be found in floodplains, forest edges, forests, swamps, and woodlands. While it does tolerate wet feet, it does not tolerate clay. Athyrium tolerates sun if kept cool and moist.

In our shade garden, it partners well with bold leafed foliage like Hosta and Packera and is a great contrast with purple-hued plants like Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’. ‘Lady in Red’ was discovered by John Lynch of the New England Wildflower Society while in Vermont. Like most ferns, Athyrium are deer resistant and provide habitat and nest cover for wildlife.

Athyrium angustum forma rubellum 'Lady in Red' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Lady fern flourishes in bright shade and moist, rich, organic soil. Does not tolerate clay. Tolerates sun if kept cool and moist.

Good Substitutions

Athyrium filix-femina

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum

Athyrium 'Godzilla'

Athyrium angustum forma rubellum 'Lady in Red'