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Athyrium otophorum (Eared Lady Fern)

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

AGM Award
Athyrium otophorum, Eared Lady Fern, Asplenium otophorum, Shade plants, shade perennial, plants for shade, plants for wet soil
Athyrium otophorum, Eared Lady Fern, Asplenium otophorum, Shade plants, shade perennial, plants for shade, plants for wet soil

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
Common names Fern
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
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Athyrium niponicum ‘Godzilla’ (Japanese Painted Fern)
Athyrium niponicum ‘Crested Surf’ (Japanese Painted Fern)
Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum ‘Lady in Red’ (Lady Fern)
Athyrium filix-femina ‘Frizelliae’ (Tatting Fern)
Athyrium filix-femina ‘Lady in Lace’ (Lady Fern)
Athyrium niponicum var. pictum ‘Burgundy Lace’ (Painted Lady Fern)

Recommended Companion Plants

Lychnis flos-cuculi ‘Petite Jenny’ (Ragged Robin)
Papaver rhoeas (Flanders Poppy)
Astilbe ‘Fanal’ (Arendsii Hybrid)
Astrantia major ‘Roma’ (Great Masterwort)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Best Foliage Plants for Your Garden
30 Great Perennials for Shade
Athyrium (Lady Fern)
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.
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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 Athyriaceae
Genus Athyrium
Common names Fern
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
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Athyrium (Lady Fern) to pick?
Compare Now

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