About

This clump-forming, deciduous fern produces arching, triangular fronds that are crested and display a silvery grey-green hue. The stems and midribs are characterized by reddish to purple tones.

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, Clay, Sand
Soil pH
Neutral, Acid
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Ferns
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Cultivation
Plant in moist but free draining fertile, neutral to acid soil in a shaded, sheltered site. See how to grow ferns for further advice
Pruning
Remove faded foliage in late autumn or leave until spring before new growth emerges
Propagation
Propagate by division
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free