Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red' (Lady Fern) – Hardy Fern (Set of 3 or 6)

A deciduous lady fern with burgundy red stems set against soft, finely cut green fronds.

'Lady in Red' is a shade loving woodland fern that returns reliably year after year with very little fuss. The red stems are the point of it; they give a lift to a green corner that plain ferns cannot.

It is happy in partial to full shade, which makes it a good answer for a north facing garden, a shady border or planting under trees. It takes clay and acid soils, and the source rates it hardy to minus 20 degrees. Grow it in a border, as ground cover, in a container on a patio, or in a cool bright room indoors.

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and cut the old fronds away in late winter before the new ones come.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Lady fern, lady in red fern
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 40cm to 60cm tall by 30cm to 45cm wide
• Growth Habit: Clump forming, with upright to arching fronds
• Perfect For: Borders, woodland gardens, ground cover, rockeries, containers, or a cool bright room indoors
• Foliage: Finely cut green fronds on distinctive red stems
• Flowering Time: None. Ferns carry no flowers and spread by spores.
• Planting Position: Partial shade to full shade, sheltered from wind in soil that stays moist and it copes with clay. Grows well in a container. Indoors, a bright spot out of direct sun.
• Soil Type: Moist, humus rich soil that drains freely. It takes clay and acid soils.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy. It comes through a British winter outdoors without protection, and the source rates it to minus 20 degrees.
• Maintenance: Low. Cut away old or tired fronds in early spring before the new ones unfurl, and mulch in spring to hold moisture in.
• Seasonal Interest: Summer.
• Type: Hardy deciduous fern that can also be grown indoors

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