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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) — with a spread approximately half its height; ideal for woodland gardens, image 94
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — Ideal for woodland gardens, image 67
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — This fern prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil; remove old fronds in early spring to make, image 129
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — it adds texture and is tolerant of cold temperatures but requires protection from strong winds; feathery, image 68
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 128
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — with a spread approximately half its height; ideal for woodland gardens, image 52
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — bright green fronds emerge in spring; remove old fronds in early spring to make way for new growth, image 54
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — lacy fronds that unfurl to reveal a fresh; ideal for woodland gardens
Lady Fern (Athyrium Filix-Femina) — delicate fronds that can reach lengths of 2 to 5 feet; remove old fronds in early spring to make way for new, image 114
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Photographs by 8 contributors

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