Overview

Athyrium filix-femina 'Percristatum' is a fern in the genus Athyrium, part of the Athyriaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Athyrium filix-femina 'Percristatum' grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include shade garden, woodland garden and borders. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Antioquia and Cundinamarca.

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

In the garden

Athyrium filix-femina 'Percristatum' is a crested form of the lady fern, native to parts of Belgium and to regions in Colombia such as Antioquia and Cundinamarca. As a shade-adapted fern it suits the cooler, sheltered corners of temperate gardens and reflects the species’ woodland origins. It grows to roughly 0.6 m, producing clumps of finely divided fronds that appear in spring and remain through summer. Site it in full shade where the soil stays moist but drains freely; this cultivar tolerates sandy, loamy and clay soils provided they do not dry out. In the UK it is fully hardy (H7) and corresponds to USDA zones 3–8, so it will withstand standard winter conditions across Britain when given appropriate winter leaf litter or mulch. Avoid exposure to strong sun which will scorch fronds and to persistently waterlogged ground. Use 'Percristatum' in shaded borders, woodland-style plantings or alongside paths where its crested pinnae can be appreciated at close range. Mulch with compost or leaf mould to retain moisture and encourage a steady spring flush. The crested frond tips give a distinct textured note in shady compositions and renew reliably each spring.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Athyrium

Sunlight

Full shade

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Athyrium filix-femina 'Percristatum' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Fern

Height

0.6 m

Suggested uses

Shade garden, Woodland garden, Borders

Native to

Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Antioquia, Cundinamarca

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Athyrium filix-femina 'Percristatum'

Cultivation

Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations; avoid direct sunlight to prevent frond scorch.

Pruning

Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring before new growth emerges.

Propagation

Division in early spring or by spores.

Frequently asked questions

From the Fenn Plants journal

• Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
• Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
• Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.

More in the Athyrium genus

• 
  Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum'Plumosum Lady Fern
• Athyrium goeringianum
• Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum'Japanese Painted Fern
• Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum'Lady Fern