Athyrium F. ‘Lady In Red’ 1Gal

Latin Name: Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red'

Common Name: Lady in Red Fern

Zones: 4–9

Height & Spread: 18–24 inches tall, spreading 18–24 inches wide

Descriptive Features: A striking selection of the classic lady fern, prized for its vivid, wine-red stipes (leaf stems) and midribs that create dramatic color contrast against the finely dissected, lacy, medium-green fronds. Forms a graceful, upright to slightly arching, vase-shaped clump that provides delicate, feathery texture in shaded plantings. The red coloring is most pronounced on new growth and intensifies with the right growing conditions, adding a splash of unexpected color to a typically all-green part of the garden. As a deciduous fern, it dies back to the ground each fall and re-emerges reliably each spring. Thrives in consistently moist, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil and struggles if allowed to dry out; benefits from a site sheltered from harsh wind and hot afternoon sun. Deer- and rabbit-resistant, low-maintenance, and long-lived once established, spreading slowly to form an expanding clump over time. An excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, streamside plantings, or as a textural companion to hostas, astilbes, and heucheras in part to full shade.