Alphabetical Plant Listing

Athyrium otophorum (Eared Lady Fern)

Eared Lady Fern, Auriculate Lady Fern, English Painted Fern, Asplenium otophorum


A dramatic addition to the garden, Athyrium otophorum (Eared Lady Fern) is a small deciduous fern forming a tuft of erect to arching, triangular, bipinnate fronds with reddish to purplish stems. Emerging pale silver and greenish gold throughout the growing season, the delicate fronds mature to dark green, giving the foliage a multicolor effect. Easy to grow and perfect for filling gaps between shrubs or under trees, Eared Lady Fern is a well-behaved, clumping fern that is right at home in woodland gardens combined with blue and gold hostas.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities.
  • Grows up to 18 in. tall and wide (45 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade to full shade in preferably neutral or acid, moist, but well-drained soils. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Provide a sheltered location.
  • This plant is a great choice for shady beds and borders, cottage gardens or woodland gardens.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Rabbit resistant.
  • Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
  • Propagate by division in spring or propagate from spores. Sow spores as soon as ripe at 59-68°F (15-20°C) in a humid environment with indirect light.
  • Native to Japan and east Asia.

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Heat Zones 2 – 8
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Athyrium - Lady Ferns
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage

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Megan Hansen, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Heat Zones 2 – 8
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Athyrium - Lady Ferns
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage

Guides with Athyrium - Lady Ferns

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