Lady in Red Fern (Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red') is a striking deciduous fern prized for its delicate lacy green fronds held on vivid burgundy red stems. This cultivated form of the native lady fern adds a pop of color and fine texture to shaded garden beds, woodland paths, or naturalized landscapes.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Non flowering
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained, humus rich soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This selection is a cultivated variety of Athyrium filix-femina, a species native to much of North America.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Beneficial Insects
- Provides protective habitat and cool ground cover for ground beetles and other beneficial insects that thrive in shady woodland environments.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow graceful fronds to arch naturally and create a lush canopy at ground level.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens, moist slopes, and rain gardens. It pairs well with bold foliage plants and spring blooming woodland wildflowers.
Companion Plants
- Polygonatum biflorum (Solomons Seal) - Provides graceful arching stems that echo the fern’s texture in shade.
- Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh) - Tall, elegant spikes with fragrant white blooms contrast beautifully with Lady in Red's foliage and stems.
- Aruncus dioicus (Goats Beard) - Adds height and creamy white blooms that rise above fern fronds in moist woodland settings.
- Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Adds spring bloom and attractive foliage that spreads nicely among ferns.
- Heuchera villosa 'Autumn Bride' - Offers broad, velvety leaves and white late season flowers that contrast the fern’s fine foliage.