Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Lady Fern

Athyrium Filix-Femina

Design with this plant

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

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (149)

Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Athyrium Filix-Femina

Related plants

Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — This species is renowned for its lush; the Alaska Fern is low maintenance

Fern

Alaska Fern

Polystichum Setiferum

Deep ShadeUSDA 6–8
Alpine Water Fern (Blechnum Penna-Marina) — fern / ground cover for deep shade or half or shade; it is generally pest and disease-resistant

Fern

Alpine Water Fern

Blechnum Penna-Marina

Deep ShadeUSDA 7–10
Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) — It is also commonly called the Japanese Shield Fern due to its robust nature and, image 32

Fern

Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern

Dryopteris erythrosora

ShadeUSDA 4–10
Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium Nidus) — resembling a bird's nest - hence the name; which is a key identifying feature, image 82

Fern

Bird's Nest Fern

Asplenium Nidus

HalfUSDA 10–11
Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium Aureum) — evergreen fern boasting glaucous; tropical fern that brings a touch of serene beauty to garden spaces with its unique

Fern

Blue Star Fern

Phlebodium Aureum

HalfUSDA 5–9
Brilliance Autumn Fern (Dryopteris Erythrosora 'Brilliance') — The Brilliance Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance') is a vibrant, shade-loving

Fern

Brilliance Autumn Fern

Dryopteris Erythrosora 'Brilliance'

HalfUSDA 5–9