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Athyrium filix-femina$8.00
Lady fern

Size: 12-36" high x 24" wide

Hardiness: zone 3a
Native range: Washington . Maine . Florida . California
pH: 4.5 - 7.0

Light:Full shade
Full sun
Moisture:Dry
Moist
Drainage:No drainage
Good drainage

Catalog code: 067-0001
Category: Ferns

US nativeNaturalizing

Athyrium filix-femina

©2007 Christopher P. Lindsey

When people think of ferns, they're probably thinking of something like lady fern. Almost stereotypical in appearance, it has all of the qualities that I look for in a fern. But it's not plain by any means; it's rather lacy and nearly Victorian in its grace, well-deserving of the name 'lady fern'.

The leaves all arch outward from a central clump in the center like green fountains, misting nearby plants with bright green textural contrasts and brightening up many dark corners.

It's easily grown in rich, medium-wet well-drained soil in part to full shade, but it can tolerate much drier soils than many other ferns. In sunnier areas it needs more moisture.

I love to plant this fern with Tricyrtis, variegated Hosta, and lungworts like Pulmonaria 'Majeste'.

Pot size: 4.5"sq x 5.0" (1004 ml, or ~one quart).