Fern - Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red' (Lady)

• Provides cover and microhabitats for insects, amphibians, and woodland invertebrates
  
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  Not a nectar or pollen source but contributes to shady habitat diversity
  

Spring: new fronds unfurl in vivid green with bold red stems

Summer: mature fronds maintain fresh green color with red stem contrast

Fall: fronds decline, turning brown as they die back

Winter: dormant, crown persists underground until spring

– Woodland gardens, shaded borders, fern collections, underplanting for shrubs, naturalizing in moist shade, companion to Hostas and Astilbes

Elegant, finely divided, light green fronds held on striking contrasting red to burgundy stipes (stems)

Fronds are lacy and upright to arching, creating a soft, airy texture in the garden

Deciduous; fronds die back in winter

None; ferns reproduce via spores

• Plant in rich, humus-heavy, consistently moist but well-drained soil; amend with compost or leaf mold before planting
  
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  Choose a cool, shaded to partially shaded location sheltered from harsh wind
  
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  Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow for spreading fronds and clump growth
  
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  Plant crown at soil level; avoid burying too deeply
  
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  Mulch with shredded leaves or fine bark to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool
  

Cut back dead fronds in late fall or early spring before new fronds emerge

Remove damaged fronds as needed to maintain neat appearance

• Requires consistently moist soil; never allow to dry completely
  
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  Tolerates seasonal wetness but not prolonged waterlogging
  
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  Deep watering during dry spells keeps fronds lush and healthy
  

Prefers partial to full shade, thriving in dappled woodland light

Can tolerate morning sun in cool climates if soil remains moist

Avoid hot, direct afternoon sun which can scorch fronds

Not typically harvested, though fronds may be cut for floral arrangements

If used in arrangements, fronds should be handled gently as they are delicate

Benefits from an annual top-dressing of compost, leaf mold, or well-rotted organic matter in spring

Avoid heavy synthetic fertilizers, which can damage delicate roots

Ferns reproduce by spores rather than flowers; no pollination is involved

Spores form in sori on the undersides of fronds during summer

Woodland perennials such as Hostas, Heuchera, Pulmonaria, and Brunnera

Other ferns including Dryopteris, Matteuccia, and Osmunda for a layered fern garden

Works beautifully with Astilbe, Primula, and Tiarella in moist shade gardens

Underplant shade-tolerant shrubs like Rhododendron, Hydrangea, and Pieris