Athyrium filix-femina
lady fern
One of our recommended plants, Athyrium filix-femina looks wonderful when planted in bold swathes with other shade-loving plants. The bright green, filigree-like fronds are very graceful, and work very well in naturalised planting schemes. They also make an elegant and eye-catching contrast when teamed with hostas, shade-loving geraniums or creeping Japanese spurge.
How to care for Athyrium filix-femina:
Plant Athyrium ferns in partial to full shade, in soil that stays consistently moist but drains freely. Incorporate plenty of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole to enrich the soil and support healthy root development.
Water during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season. Apply a mulch of leaf mould or compost each spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Cut back old fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
In colder parts of the UK, protect the crown in late autumn with a dry mulch of straw or bracken to prevent frost damage.
Water during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season. Apply a mulch of leaf mould or compost each spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Cut back old fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
In colder parts of the UK, protect the crown in late autumn with a dry mulch of straw or bracken to prevent frost damage.
Eventual height:
1.2m
Eventual spread:
0.9m
Position:
Light shade / shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This fern is deciduous so all its fronds will die back in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again each spring.
9cm pot
£9.99
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3 × 9cm pots
£21.99
£7.33 each
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2 litre pot
£24.99
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3 × 2 litre pots
£54.99
£18.33 each
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