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Lady Fern

Athyrium Filix-Femina

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Overview

The Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) is a deciduous perennial with delicate, lacy fronds that unfurl to reveal a fresh, pale green in spring. Thriving in zones 4-8, it reaches a height of 2-3 feet and a spread of 1.5-2.5 feet. This fern prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Ideal for woodland gardens, it adds texture and is tolerant of cold temperatures but requires protection from strong winds.

Sun Half, ShadeWater Extra in Summer, HighZones 3–9Type Fern
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — fern for half or shade

Culture

Sun
Half, Shade
Water
Extra in Summer, High
USDA zones
3–9

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Fern
Family
Polypodiaceae

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Photos (149)

Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — Regular watering during prolonged dry spells will help maintain its lush appearance; ideal for woodland gardens, image 124
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — scientifically referred to as Athyrium filix-femina; remove old fronds in early spring to make way for new, image 90
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — bright green fronds emerge in spring; remove old fronds in early spring to make way for new growth, image 117
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — is an elegant and versatile perennial fern widely cherished in woodland garden settings
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — mimicking its natural forest floor habitat; ideal for woodland gardens, image 58
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — well-drained soil rich in organic matter and is best suited to partial to full shade; remove old fronds in early spring to
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — well-drained soil rich in organic matter and is best suited to partial to full shade; remove old fronds in, image 120
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — Ideal for woodland gardens, image 109
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — bright green fronds emerge in spring; remove old fronds in early spring to make way for new growth
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — Ideal for woodland gardens, image 88
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — the Lady Fern prefers moist; feathery texture in the landscape, image 77
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — well-drained soil rich in organic matter and is best suited to partial to full shade; remove old fronds in, image 78
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — Thriving in zones 4-8, it reaches a height of 2-3 feet and a spread of 1.5-2.5 feet; feathery texture in the, image 65
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — Thriving in zones 4-8, it reaches a height of 2-3 feet and a spread of 1.5-2.5 feet; feathery texture in the, image 107
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — feathery texture in the landscape, image 53
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — the Lady Fern prefers moist
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — the Lady Fern prefers moist; feathery texture in the landscape
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — The Lady Fern offers a tranquil and natural aesthetic that enhances any garden with its grace and texture, image 104
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — fern for half or shade; remove old fronds in early spring to make way for new growth, image 126
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — This fern is known for its lacy; feathery texture in the landscape, image 50
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — mimicking its natural forest floor habitat; ideal for woodland gardens
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — with a spread approximately half its height; ideal for woodland gardens, image 73
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — with a spread approximately half its height; ideal for woodland gardens, image 115
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — remove old fronds in early spring to make way for new growth, image 39
Photographs by 16 contributors

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