Athyrium filix-femina
lady fern
A vigorous, deciduous fern to 80cm or more, forming a clump of fresh-green, lacy, bipinnate, lance-shaped fronds, the segments with toothed margins. In some plants the midrib is red, in others green
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Woodsiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Athyrium are deciduous ferns with erect or creeping rhizomes bearing usually pinnate to tripinnate fronds, often of thin texture, and they are especially shade-tolerant
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp. N. Hemis.
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in fertile, moist neutral to acid soil enriched with leaf mould or garden compost, in a shady sheltered site. See how to grow ferns for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by sowing spores in mid to late summer or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
Pests
Generally pest-free out of doors
Diseases
Generally disease-free outdoors
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.