Product Description
Athyrium filix-femina (3.5-inch pot)
Common name: Lady Fern
- Height: 24-36 Inches
- Spread: 24-36 Inches
- Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Part Shade to Shade
- Deciduous
- Native
- Slow spreading by rhizomes
- Fine textured,light green,lacy-like fronds
- Tolerates sun with constant moisture
- Tolerates dry soil better than most
Athyrium filix-femina - Lady Fern- Deciduous. Bright green, erect fronds are fine textured and lacy-like, twice pinnate and can reach 3' long and 1' wide. Lady Fern spreads slowly by rhizomes forming clumps that expand slowly. Thrives in rich, moist soil. Bright fern for the shade garden, woodland areas, stream and pond banks. Tolerates dry soil relatively well. Sun exposure requires consistent moisture. Mature height 24"-36", spread 24"-36".
Native to North America, this deciduous is common to moist sites throughout the northern hemisphere. It is characterized by lush, finely textured, medium green fronds with an arching habit. They radiate gracefully out from the center of the crown. New leaves are produced throughout the season for a continually fresh look. At maturity, the stems turn dark red.
Athyrium grows best in moist soil with a neutral to moderately acidic pH. Partial to full shade is best. To protect the crowns and tender shoots in the spring, it is best to leave the old fronds on the plant over the winter. They can be removed in the spring when the new fronds reach 6 inches tall. If division is necessary, do so in the spring.
This is useful as a background plant in shade gardens and is also beautiful planted en masse along streams or woodland settings. It is a vigorous grower, especially in loamy humus-rich soils, but spreads relatively slowly and doesn't run. It is also reported to be more tolerant of sun and dry soils than many other ferns.
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit 1993
Other Details
Athyrium‘s Zone, Characteristics and How to Use In The Landscape
Athyrium, commonly known as lady ferns, are a genus of ferns prized for their delicate beauty and adaptability. They are a popular choice for shade gardens due to their preference for moist, shady conditions.
Athyrium Zones
Most Athyrium species are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9, making them suitable for a wide range of climates. However, specific cultivars may have slightly different zone ranges.
Characteristics of Athyrium
- Delicate foliage: Athyrium ferns are known for their finely divided, lacy fronds that often have a silvery or bluish-green hue.
- Shade preference: They thrive in shady locations, making them ideal for understory plantings or woodland gardens.
- Moisture-loving: Consistent moisture is essential for optimal growth.
- Variety of sizes: Athyrium comes in various sizes, from small, compact varieties to larger, more robust ferns.
Using Athyrium in the Landscape
Athyrium's graceful foliage adds texture and elegance to any shady area. Here are some ideas for using Athyrium in your landscape:
- Woodland gardens: Create a natural, woodland atmosphere by planting Athyrium with hostas, astilbes, and other shade-loving plants.
- Shady borders: Use Athyrium as an edging plant or to fill in gaps in a shady border.
- Container gardening: Grow dwarf varieties of Athyrium in containers for patios or decks.
- Water features: Athyrium can be planted near ponds or streams to create a lush, tropical look.
Popular Athyrium Cultivars:
- Athyrium filix-femina 'Ghost Fern': This cultivar has striking silver-blue fronds.
- Athyrium 'Lady in Black': Known for its dark stems and contrasting green fronds.
- Athyrium 'Branford Beauty': A compact variety with ruffled fronds.
Care Tips:
- Plant Athyrium in rich, organic soil that retains moisture.
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
By incorporating Athyrium into your landscape, you can create a stunning and low-maintenance shade garden.
Athyrium Care Guide: Spacing, Water, Sunlight, Soil, and More
Athyrium, or Lady Ferns, are beloved for their delicate foliage and adaptability to shade. Here is a comprehensive care guide to help you cultivate these graceful ferns:
Light Conditions
- Shade: Athyrium thrives in shaded areas. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the delicate fronds.
- Indirect light: If you must plant in an area with some sunlight, ensure it is dappled or filtered shade.
Soil Requirements
- Moist: Athyrium prefers consistently moist soil.
- Rich in organic matter: Incorporate compost or leaf mold to improve soil fertility and drainage.
- Well-draining: While they like moisture, avoid waterlogged soil which can lead to root rot.
Watering
- Regular: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
- Deep watering: Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deeper root growth.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Spacing
- Depends on variety: Smaller varieties can be spaced closer together than larger ones.
- General guideline: Space plants 1-2 feet apart to allow for growth.
Fertilizing
- Light feeder: Athyrium does not require heavy fertilization.
- Spring feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- Avoid over-fertilizing: Too much fertilizer can burn the fronds.
Division
- Every 3-4 years: Divide clumps to rejuvenate the plant and increase your fern collection.
- Spring or early fall: The best times for division are when the plant is actively growing.
- Replant immediately: Divide and replant the divisions as soon as possible.
Pests and Diseases
- Generally resistant: Athyrium is relatively pest and disease-resistant.
- Watch for slugs and snails: These can be a problem, especially in damp conditions.
- Fungal diseases: In overly wet conditions, watch for fungal diseases like crown rot.
Winter Care
- Hardy varieties: Most Athyrium species are hardy and require little winter care.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to protect the crown from frost.
- Tender varieties: For those in colder regions, consider covering tender varieties with burlap or frost cloth.
By following these care tips, you can enjoy the beauty of Athyrium ferns in your garden for years to come.
Athyrium’s Flower Colors, Forms, Bloom Time, and Pollinators
While Athyrium does not produce flowers, they offer a stunning array of foliage colors and forms.
- Colors: Most Athyrium species have a classic green foliage, but many cultivars offer variations:
- Silvery-blue: Athyrium filix-femina 'Ghost Fern' is renowned for its ethereal blue-green fronds.
- Dark stems: Athyrium 'Lady in Black' contrasts dark stems with vibrant green fronds.
- Forms: The foliage of Athyrium is typically delicate and lacy, but there's variety in frond shape and size:
- Delicate and feathery: Many species have finely divided fronds.
- Ruffled: Some cultivars, like 'Branford Beauty,' showcase ruffled fronds.
- Compact: There are dwarf varieties for smaller spaces.
·While Athyrium does not produce flowers, they offer a stunning array of foliage colors and forms.
·Colors: Most Athyrium species have a classic green foliage, but many cultivars offer variations:
·Silvery-blue: Athyrium filix-femina 'Ghost Fern' is renowned for its ethereal blue-green fronds.
·Dark stems: Athyrium 'Lady in Black' contrasts dark stems with vibrant green fronds.
·Forms: The foliage of Athyrium is typically delicate and lacy, but there's variety in frond shape and size:
·Delicate and feathery: Many species have finely divided fronds.
·Ruffled: Some cultivars, like 'Branford Beauty,' showcase ruffled fronds.
·Compact: There are dwarf varieties for smaller spaces.
·Pollinators and Athyrium
·Athyrium does not attract pollinators. As ferns, they reproduce through spores, not pollen. Therefore, they do not rely on insects or other animals for pollination.
Pollinators and Athyrium
Athyrium does not attract pollinators. As ferns, they reproduce through spores, not pollen. Therefore, they do not rely on insects or other animals for pollination.
Athyrium’s Critter, Pest, and Disease Resistance
Critter Resistance
- Deer and Rabbits: Generally, Athyrium is deer and rabbit resistant. Their preference for other plants often leaves these ferns untouched.
- Slugs and Snails: While not immune, Athyrium is less susceptible to slug and snail damage compared to other tender plants.
Pest Resistance
- Relatively pest-free: Athyrium is generally not bothered by many pests.
- Aphids: In rare cases, aphids may infest the fronds. A strong water spray can usually dislodge them.
Disease Resistance
- Fungal diseases: Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to fungal diseases like crown rot. Proper soil conditions and watering are crucial.
- Overall resistance: Athyrium is considered to have good disease resistance.
Note: While Athyrium is generally resistant to pests and diseases, proper care is essential to maintain plant health. Good drainage, adequate air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent problems.
Planting Bare Root Athyrium
Bare root Athyrium can be a bit delicate but with the right care, they will thrive. Here is a guide to planting them:
When to Plant
- Spring: This is the ideal time for planting bare root Athyrium. The soil is moist and the plant has the entire growing season to establish itself.
- Autumn: If you must plant in autumn, ensure the ground is not frozen and the plant has enough time to root before winter.
Preparation
- Soak the roots: Before planting, soak the bare roots in water for a few hours to rehydrate them.
- Prepare the soil: Choose a shady spot with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Planting
- Place the fern: Position the bare root fern in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
- Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots.
- Water thoroughly: Water the newly planted fern deeply.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Post-Planting Care
- Consistent moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first few weeks.
- Protection: Shield young plants from strong winds and intense sunlight.
- Patience: It may take a few weeks for the fern to establish itself and start producing new fronds.
Remember: Bare root ferns often have some foliage loss during shipping and planting. Do not be alarmed if the fronds look a bit tattered. New growth will emerge soon.
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