Overview
Athyrium filix-femina 'Minor' is a bushy ferns in the genus Athyrium, part of the Woodsiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Athyrium filix-femina 'Minor' grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Athyrium filix-femina 'Minor' is a bushy cultivar of the deciduous fern genus Athyrium, known for its upright or spreading rhizomes and finely divided fronds. This cultivar thrives in shaded, sheltered locations with moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil, preferring loam, clay, or sand with an acid to neutral pH. Suitable for north- or east-facing aspects, it is hardy in the UK to H4 and is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, as well as flower borders and beds. Interest is primarily in spring and summer, with propagation by division in spring or spores.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Athyrium
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Athyrium filix-femina 'Minor' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Athyrium filix-femina 'Minor'
- Propagation
- Division in spring, Spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Athyrium filix-femina 'Minor'?
Athyrium filix-femina 'Minor' prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Athyrium filix-femina 'Minor' need?
Athyrium filix-femina 'Minor' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, clay and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Athyrium filix-femina 'Minor' hardy in the UK?
Athyrium filix-femina 'Minor' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Athyrium filix-femina 'Minor'?
Division in spring, Spores.
More in the Athyrium genus
- Athyrium filix-feminalady fern
- Athyrium filix-femina 'Frizelliae Capitatum'
- Athyrium filix-femina 'Victoriae' seedling
- Athyrium pycnocarponglade fern
- Athyrium vidalii
- Athyrium macrocarpum
- Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum'Lady Fern
- Athyrium reflexipinnum