This fern is deciduous so all its fronds will die back in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again each spring.

• Position: full or partial shade
• Soil: moist, fertile, neutral to acid soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The graceful, light green fronds of this elegant lady fern are held on striking bright red stems. It looks particularly pretty when the new fronds are emerging in spring, but the fronds will remain attractive throughout the summer before dying back in autumn. Plant it in large numbers and underplant with early spring flowering bulbs, as these will emerge before the fronds, creating a prolonged period of interest.
  
  
• Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole. In cold areas in late autumn protect the crown of the plant with a dry mulch of straw or bracken. It can take a 2-3 years for these ferns to mature and develop the striking red stems.