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.
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 | Athyriaceae |
| Genus | Athyrium |
| 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" (50cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Full Shade, Rabbit |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
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 | Athyriaceae |
| Genus | Athyrium |
| 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" (50cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Full Shade, Rabbit |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
