About

This deciduous fern grows upright and spreads gradually. It features erect to arching stems that are a vivid red, supporting lance-shaped leaflets atop green fronds.

About the genus

Athyrium comprises deciduous ferns characterized by their upright or spreading rhizomes, which support typically pinnate to tripinnate fronds that are often thin in texture. These ferns are particularly well-suited for shaded environments.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Sand, Clay
Soil pH
Neutral, Acid
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
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

Care notes

Cultivation
Plant in moist but free draining, neutral to acid soil in a lightly shaded site. Will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Colourful stems usually develop a year or two after planting and will be less prominant in deeper shade. For more information see our advice page how to grow ferns.
Pruning
Can remove faded fronds in early winter or leave until spring before new growth emerges.
Propagation
Propagate by division
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free