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Athyrium filix-femina (Lady fern)
3 hours care
per year
per year
1m
Max height
Max height
1m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Athyrium filix-femina
Other names
Lady fern, Tatting fern
Genus
Athyrium Athyrium
Species
A. filix-femina - A. filix-femina has lacey fronds radiating from a central crown in a fresh green. It is a fast-growing fern forming a clump of lacy, bipinnate, lance-shaped fronds, and the leaf segments have toothed margins. In some plants the midrib is red, in others green.
Athyrium filix-femina is: Deciduous
Habit
Arching, Bushy, Cushion or Mound Forming, Spreading
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Insignificant or absent in All seasons
Foliage
Bright-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
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Where to grow
Athyrium filix-femina (Lady fern) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 1m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Underplanting, Bog garden
Cultivation
Plant in most, cool, lightly shaded sites. Will also grow in full sun given plenty of moisture. Useful marginal plant for bogs and ponds.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Athyrium filix-femina
Other names
Lady fern, Tatting fern
Genus
Athyrium Athyrium
Species
A. filix-femina - A. filix-femina has lacey fronds radiating from a central crown in a fresh green. It is a fast-growing fern forming a clump of lacy, bipinnate, lance-shaped fronds, and the leaf segments have toothed margins. In some plants the midrib is red, in others green.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Arching, Bushy, Cushion or Mound Forming, Spreading
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Insignificant or absent in All seasons
Foliage
Bright-green in Summer
General care
Pruning
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Athyrium filix-femina (Lady fern) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 1m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Underplanting, Bog garden
Cultivation
Plant in most, cool, lightly shaded sites. Will also grow in full sun given plenty of moisture. Useful marginal plant for bogs and ponds.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3
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| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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DISCUSS THIS PLANT
This plant is featured at Chelsea Flower Show 2009
There are 2 active discussions about Athyrium filix-femina (Lady fern)
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