



Ferns & Shade Plants · Ferns
Lady Fern
Athyrium filix-femina
Lady Fern is a mounding native deciduous fern with delicate-looking lacy fronds that are light green. Best grown in part shade and rich, acidic and moist well-drained soils. Lady Fern is one of the ferns that can tolerate full sun if given enough moisture but does not do well in full shade. * Deciduous ferns may still be dormant until late spring. This will appear that we've delivered a pot full of dirt however a healthy robust fern is awaiting inside. Type: Fern Origins: Temperate N. Hemisphere; NA Native Height: 1’ - 3’ Spread: 1’ - 2.5’ Spacing: 2’ USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 - 8 Culture: Full Sun , Part Sun Bloom Color: N/A Season of Interest: Multi-Seasonal MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low maintenance. It has moderate to high water needs, keep the soil moist. Do not plant in areas with strong winds or high traffic- its stems are as delicate as they look. LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders , Woodland Gardens , Naturalized Areas , Rock Gardens , Ponds and Streams , and Containers. COMPANION PLANTS: Swamp Rosemallow , Maidenhair Fern , Hosta IMAGES: Photo by brewbooks , Lady Fern , (2) Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz , Athyrium filix-femina kz02 , CC BY-SA 4.0 , (3) Superior National Forest , Athyrium felix-femina 1-jgreenlee (5098032858) , CC BY 2.0 , (4) MurielBendel , Athyrium filix-femina Sori Tannwald1 , CC BY-SA 4.0 * As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.
Plant profile
Easy plant guide
The essentials for choosing the right spot and knowing what to expect.
Where it grows best
Light
Full sun to part shade
Water
Moist, well-drained soil
What to expect
Mature size
1–3 ft tall × 1–2 ft wide
Winter hardiness
Zones 4–8
Good to know
Perfect for
Ask Horsford Gardens and Nursery about current availability
This catalogue is here to help you explore plants before you visit. Selection changes throughout the season, and the team can confirm what is in stock, what can be ordered, and which option fits your garden.
Catalogue imagery and descriptions are provided for plant discovery. In-store availability may change without notice.
