About This Plant
Athyrium filix-femina, the Lady Fern, is a graceful native shade fern with finely divided bright green fronds. Provides lush textural interest from spring through fall, moves beautifully in the breeze, and pairs with nearly every shade perennial. Low maintenance and deer resistant.
Planting & Care
How to Plant
Choose a spot with morning sun or dappled shade, out of hot afternoon sun. Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and plant at the same depth it was growing, gently loosening the roots. Water deeply after planting and add 2–3 in of mulch, keeping it off the stems. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Watering & Feeding
Water deeply 1–2 times a week for the first season, about 1 in per week. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during heat and dry spells. Top-dress with compost in spring; most perennials don't need much fertilizer.
Pruning & Seasonal Care
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Cut back after a hard frost, or leave stems standing for winter interest and tidy up in spring. Divide every 3–4 years if the center thins. Mulch in late fall to protect roots through the first winter.