Overview
Athyrium vidalii is a clump forming ferns in the genus Athyrium, part of the Woodsiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Athyrium vidalii grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates loam and clay soils and any pH. It is low maintenance.
About
Athyrium vidalii is a deciduous fern cultivar within the Athyrium genus, known for its clump-forming habit and upright or spreading rhizomes. It typically reaches 0.5 to 1 metre in height and spread over 5 to 10 years. Suited to shaded, sheltered sites with moist but well-drained loam or clay soils, it thrives in neutral to acid conditions. This fern is hardy to UK zone H5 and is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, offering interest in spring and summer. Maintenance involves removing old fronds in winter or early spring, and propagation is by division.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Athyrium
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
Plant details
Athyrium vidalii size, habit and characteristics
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Athyrium vidalii?
Athyrium vidalii prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Athyrium vidalii need?
Athyrium vidalii grows best in loam and clay soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Athyrium vidalii grow?
Athyrium vidalii reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
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More in the Athyrium genus
- Athyrium filix-femina 'Percristatum'Crested Lady Fern
- Athyrium filix-femina 'Plumosum'Plumosum Lady Fern
- Athyrium goeringianum
- Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum'Japanese Painted Fern
- Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum'Lady Fern