Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red' is a striking deciduous fern prized for its delicate lacy green fronds held on vivid burgundy red stems. This cultivated form of the native lady fern adds a pop of color and fine texture to shaded garden beds, woodland paths, or naturalized landscapes. Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 18 - 24 in Bloom Time: Non flowering Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade Soil Preference: Moist, well drained, humus rich soil Watering Needs: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred Deer Resistance: Deer resistant Native Status This selection is a cultivated variety of Athyrium filix-femina, a species native to much of North America. WILDLIFE & INSECTS Beneficial Insects Provides protective habitat and cool ground cover for ground beetles and other beneficial insects that thrive in shady woodland environments. Spacing & Landscape Use Spacing Recommendations Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow graceful fronds to arch naturally and create a lush canopy at ground level. Landscape Placement Ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens, moist slopes, and rain gardens. It pairs well with bold foliage plants and spring blooming woodland wildflowers. Companion Plants Polygonatum biflorum (Solomons Seal) - Provides graceful arching stems that echo the fern’s texture in shade. Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh) - Tall, elegant spikes with fragrant white blooms contrast beautifully with Lady in Red's foliage and stems. Aruncus dioicus (Goats Beard) - Adds height and creamy white blooms that rise above fern fronds in moist woodland settings. Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Adds spring bloom and attractive foliage that spreads nicely among ferns. Heuchera villosa 'Autumn Bride' - Offers broad, velvety leaves and white late season flowers that contrast the fern’s fine foliage.
