Northern lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum 'Lady in Red')
The striking Northern lady fern, Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum 'Lady in Red', offers lacy texture and red contrasting stipes. Hardy in Zones 4-8, this low-maintenance plant thrives in shade.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum ‘Lady in Red’ is a superb cultivar highly valued for introducing fine, lacy texture into deep shade gardens. Commonly referred to as the Northern lady fern, this variety distinguishes itself from its relatives with vibrant burgundy-red stipes (leaf stems) contrasting beautifully against the otherwise light green fronds. This fern provides year-round structure and excellent fine-textured filler where little else will thrive.
As a low-maintenance perennial, Athyrium filix-femina var. Angustum ‘Lady in Red’ exhibits robust performance across USDA Zones 4 through 8. It forms dense, circular clumps of foliage, making it an ideal architectural element in woodland settings or beneath large trees. Gardeners appreciate its ability to tolerate slightly drier conditions than many other woodland species.
The appeal of this Northern lady fern cultivar lies in its elegance and resilience in low-light environments. It requires minimal intervention once established, offering reliable performance as a groundcover or accent plant in shaded borders and woodland walks. Selecting Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum ‘Lady in Red’ ensures a dynamic, textural addition to shade garden designs.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Athyriaceae
- Plant Type: Fern
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1.5-2.5 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2.5 ft
- Bloom Time: Non-flowering
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting the Northern lady fern is best done in spring or early fall, ensuring the crown sits correctly at soil level. Choose a location that offers rich, loamy, well-drained soil, which is crucial for root health in ferns. While it strongly prefers part shade to full shade, Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum ‘Lady in Red’ can endure full sun exposure provided the soil remains constantly moist through diligent watering.
Care requirements for this cultivar are generally low once established. Ensure medium water needs are met, especially during summer heat or if attempting to cultivate it in brighter light conditions. Avoid heavy fertilization; the rich soil standard for woodland plants is usually sufficient. Protect the delicate fronds by siting the plant out of strong, drying winds to prevent breakage.
Seasonal attention involves sheltering the plant or ensuring consistent moisture heading into winter, as it is deciduous. In early spring, before new growth begins, perform maintenance by dividing overgrown clumps every few years to maintain vigor and reset the crown height for optimal growth. This ease of division makes Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum ‘Lady in Red’ simple to propagate or reposition.
Landscape Uses
This fern excels where bright green texture and shade tolerance are necessary design components. Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum ‘Lady in Red’ is highly recommended for softening the edges of woodland gardens or lining shaded walkways. Its manageable size makes it perfect for the front of layered borders where taller specimens might overwhelm smaller plantings.
Consider using the Northern lady fern in rock gardens, where its fine foliage contrasts beautifully against stone textures. It is also highly effective as an informal edging plant along streams or ponds, capitalizing on its preference for consistent moisture. This handsome fern pairs well with hostas, bleeding hearts, and epimediums, complementing their broader leaf textures.
Standout Features
Noteworthy Characteristics
Athyrium filix-femina, commonly called lady fern, is a deciduous fern that features lacy-cut, erect or ascending, 2 to 3-pinnate or pinnatifid, finely-divided, lanceolate, light green fronds which grow in a dense circular shuttlecock-like clump to 2-3’ tall. Subsp. Angustum, the Northern lady fern, primarily differs from the species by having elliptic pinnae with the widest part of the frond near the middle. The cultivar ‘Lady in Red’ specifically features elliptic, lacy light green fronds set against contrasting burgundy-red stipes, making it visually distinct.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Heavy Shade
Potential Problems
This species generally suffers from no serious insect or disease problems, making it a reliable choice for low-input gardening. Snails and slugs can occasionally be bothersome to new fiddleheads in the spring; monitor new growth and use appropriate barriers or baits if damage becomes excessive. Proper siting—avoiding heavy clay and ensuring good drainage—prevents most root-related issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Northern lady fern suitable for?
Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum ‘Lady in Red’ is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum ‘Lady in Red’ grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a mature height between 1.5 and 2.5 feet tall, with a similar spread of 1.5 to 2.5 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Northern lady fern need?
The Northern lady fern thrives best in part shade to full shade conditions, though it can handle full sun if soil moisture is kept constantly high.
When does Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum ‘Lady in Red’ bloom?
This plant is a fern and is strictly non-flowering, reproducing via spores found on the underside of its fronds.
Conclusion
The characteristic lacy texture and unique burgundy stipes ensure that Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum ‘Lady in Red’ remains a top choice for textural interest in deep shade. This robust Northern lady fern offers low maintenance and significant visual appeal across multiple growing zones. Before planting, confirm your site offers sufficient moisture and verify compatibility with your existing USDA zone range.
Companion Planting
When designing shaded areas, consider pairing the fine texture of Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum ‘Lady in Red’ with plants that offer bolder foliage. Large-leaved Hostas create a dramatic contrast right next to the delicate fronds. Hellebores (Lenten Rose) provide early spring color that emerges before the fern fully leafs out, followed by woodland groundcovers like wild ginger or Brunnera.
Choosing companions with similar cultural needs—rich, medium-moisture soil and shade protection—will simplify your maintenance routine. Grouping various ferns, including the Northern lady fern, creates a rich, immersive woodland aesthetic that capitalizes on texture rather than relying on flowers.
Propagation Tips
The easiest method for increasing your stock of Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum ‘Lady in Red’ is through clump division. This should be performed in the spring just as the new croziers (fiddles) begin to emerge. Carefully dig up the clump and gently tease the rhizomes apart, ensuring each new section retains healthy roots and at least one growing point.
When dividing, take the opportunity to check the crown depth; if the crown is buried too deeply due to soil erosion or past division mistakes, reset it so it sits at the soil line, as outlined in the original culture notes. While the species produces spores, relying on division results in genetically identical, faster-growing, and more reliable plants for maintaining the specific characteristics of the ‘Lady in Red’ cultivar.
