Lady in Red subarctic ladyfern
Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red'
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size1.5 to 2.5 feet tall1.5 to 2.5 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
'Lady in Red' subarctic ladyfern (Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red') is a fern for shade gardens, woodland settings, borders, and ground cover. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Its lacy, light green, arching fronds rise on red to purple-red stems, and it tolerates dry shade once established. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. Pair it with bold-leaved shade plants like Hosta, Bergenia, and Rodgersia for contrast.
Pairs well with Red trillium, Western sword fern, and Royal Star star magnolia.