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Athyrium otophorum

eared lady fern

A tufted fern making a rosette of arching, broadly ovate, bipinnate fronds to 50cm long, pale green in spring, later grey-green, with purple stalk and main veins

Synonyms
Asplenium otophorum
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Purple
Summer Purple Green Grey Silver
Autumn Purple Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Woodsiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
E Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in moist, preferably neutral or acid soil in a sheltered position in dappled or full shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or propagate from spores; sow spores as soon as ripe at 15-20°C (59-68°F) in a humid environment with indirect light

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Tidy plant and remove leaves when they begin to die down

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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