Lady Fern, Eared Lady Fern, European Lady Fern, Japanese Painted Fern, Painted Lady Fern, Northern Lady Fern, Athyrium filix-femina, Athyrium niponicum, Athyrium otophorum
Prized by gardeners, Athyrium are mostly deciduous ferns with feathery, finely divided foliage in a wonderful array of colors and forms.
They add a unique texture and softness to a garden setting and are relatively low-maintenance, making them a wonderful addition to many gardens.
Athyrium, commonly known as lady ferns, belongs to the family of Woodsiaceae and comprises of around 180 species. These ferns are native to moist woodlands and forests in temperate and tropical regions around the globe, including Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America.
Habit and Size: Described by their delicate and feathery fronds, these ferns range from spreading ground-huggers 6 inches (15 cm) tall to stately specimens reaching 6 feet (180 cm) in height.
Foliage: The foliage of Athyrium is its standout feature. With fronds ranging from light green to silver, burgundy, and deep red, this fern can create a lush, textured effect in the garden. Some species like Athyrium niponicum, the Japanese Painted Fern, exhibit stunning silver fronds overlaid with hues of blue and purple.
Season of Interest: The graceful fronds rise from erect or creeping rhizomes and unfurl from a central crown in spring. The foliage remains attractive throughout the summer and into fall. Depending on the variety and local climate, it can remain evergreen or deciduous.
Spores: They reproduce via spores located on the underside of the fronds.
Hardiness: Athyrium are hardy plants that thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4-9, though again, this varies with species and location.
Uses: Lady ferns serve primarily aesthetic purposes, perfect for creating a lush, woodland garden, or for adding greenery to shady corners. They can also be planted along borders, in containers, or used as ground cover. They can be grown as houseplants or in greenhouses.
Wildlife: They provide cover for small creatures and their spores can be a food source for some insects.
Deer and Rabbit: They are resistant to deer and rabbits, a plus for many gardeners.
Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Ferns |
Genus | Athyrium |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 6" - 6' (15cm - 180cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Tolerance | Full Shade, Deer, Rabbit |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
Ken Schulze, Shutterstock
Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Ferns |
Genus | Athyrium |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 6" - 6' (15cm - 180cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Tolerance | Full Shade, Deer, Rabbit |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!