Overview
Athyrium filix-femina is a clump forming bogs in the genus Athyrium, part of the Woodsiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Athyrium filix-femina grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Antioquia and Cundinamarca.
About
Athyrium filix-femina, the lady fern or common lady-fern, is a large, feathery species of fern native to temperate Asia, Europe, North America, and North Africa. It is often abundant (one of the more common ferns) in damp, shady woodland environments and is often grown for decoration. Its common names "lady fern" and "female fern" refer to how its reproductive structures (sori) are concealed in an inconspicuous – deemed "female" – manner on the frond. Alternatively, it is said to be feminine because of its elegant and graceful appearance. Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full shade and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Athyrium filix-femina
About the genus
Athyrium (lady-fern) is a genus of about 180 species of terrestrial ferns, with a cosmopolitan distribution. It is placed in the family Athyriaceae, in the order Polypodiales. Its genus name is from Greek a- ('without') and Latinized Greek thyreos ('shield'), describing its inconspicuous indusium .
Wikipedia contributors, "Athyrium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Athyrium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Athyrium
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Athyrium filix-femina size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bogs, Ferns
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Antioquia, Cundinamarca
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Athyrium filix-femina
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations; avoid dry or exposed sites
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring before new growth emerges
- Propagation
- Division in spring, Spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Athyrium filix-femina?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations; avoid dry or exposed sites.
Where is the best place to plant Athyrium filix-femina?
Athyrium filix-femina prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Athyrium filix-femina need?
Athyrium filix-femina is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Athyrium filix-femina?
Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring before new growth emerges.
How big does Athyrium filix-femina grow?
Athyrium filix-femina reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Athyrium filix-femina hardy in the UK?
Athyrium filix-femina has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Athyrium filix-femina?
Division in spring, Spores.
More in the Athyrium genus
- Athyrium goeringianum
- Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum'Japanese Painted Fern
- Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum'Lady Fern