Athyrium filix-femina Lady in Red - Lady Fern

Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red' is an astonishing female Fern, distinguished by its spectacular burgundy-red stems that enhance the graceful light green foliage. However, this beautiful "Lady in Red" takes time to reveal her colours! The colouration only becomes apparent after a few years of cultivation. A plant that thrives in shade and moisture, it is highly resistant to diseases. Perfect for shaded gardens, natural ponds, or cool woodlands.

The Lady Fern, known as Athyrium filix-femina in latin, belongs to the family of Athyriaceae. It is a perennial plant native to all temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum forma rubellum 'Lady in Red' was discovered in the United States by the "New England Wildflower Society". With  relatively slow growth, this fern establishes itself through its creeping rhizomes if the conditions are suitable. It reaches a height of 90 cm (35in) and a width of 80 cm (32in), forming large clumps from a central point. The bipinnate, deciduous foliage has a very bright light green color. It is finely divided into numerous lobed pinnae. The undersides of the leaves are covered with orange spores. The petioles emerge bright red, becoming burgundy-red as the months go by.

Plant Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red' in humus-rich, cool, neutral to slightly acidic soil. This perennial thrives in shade or partially shaded areas with morning sunlight, under trees or bushes that do not compete with it. The foliage slowly dries out starting from November, but it should not be cut before the end of March as it provides good protection to the stump. During the first year of cultivation, it is necessary to water young plants well to help their establishment. Athyrium filix-femina is primarily a plant for damp shade or partial shade, reaching its full potential in woodlands or near water features that reflect its elegant silhouette. It is ideally associated with conifers, fuchsias, and hydrangeas. It adapts well to cultivation in large pots in shade, allowing you to enjoy its airy and graceful foliage up close. This cultivar also pairs well with purple-leaved perennials, such as the Heuchera 'Purple Petticoats'.

Did you know: A favourite of Victorian ferneries in the late 19th century, Athyrium filix-femina has provided numerous horticultural varieties with variegated fronds or curious shapes, including the variety 'Victoriae' or 'Frizelliae'.