Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum' (Plumosum Lady Fern) — Fern

Overview

Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum' is a fern in the genus Athyrium, part of the Athyriaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum' grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include shade gardens, woodland gardens 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 'Plumosum' is a member of the Athyriaceae and the genus Athyrium. Its recorded native range includes Belgium (Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders) and parts of Colombia (Antioquia, Cundinamarca). In the UK it is valued for locations where light levels are low and soils remain reliably damp. Plant where soil is sandy, loamy or clay that stays moist but drains freely, and place in full shade rather than sunlit positions. The hardiness rating H7 indicates it is fully hardy in UK gardens; the USDA range 3–8 gives context for cooler or milder continental climates. Fronds are present through spring into summer, so plan borders and woodland pockets with that seasonal presence in mind. Use this fern along shaded borders or inside woodland-style beds where a plant of about 0.6 m works as a low-to-mid height element. It suits grouped planting in damp shaded drifts or as a foil to shrubs that cast deep shade, making it a practical rhythmic element in a shaded garden composition.

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 'Plumosum' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Fern
Height: 0.6 m
Suggested uses: Shade gardens, woodland gardens, borders
Native to: Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Antioquia, Cundinamarca

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shaded areas; avoid direct sunlight
Pruning: Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring
Propagation: Division in spring or spore propagation

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shaded areas; avoid direct sunlight.

Where is the best place to plant Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum'?

Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum' prefers full shade.

What soil does Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum' need?

Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum'?

Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring.

How big does Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum' grow?

Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum' reaches a height of 0.6 m.

Is Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum' hardy in the UK?

Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.