Use & Care NotesCompanion Plants
Lady in Red Lady Fern: Burgundy Stems in Lacy Green Shade
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Lady in Red lady fern is a selection of our native lady fern, grown for its rich burgundy-red stems that run the full length of each lacy, dark green frond. The fronds arch gently into an upright, vase-shaped clump 30 to 36 inches tall and about 24 inches wide, and over several years the plant slowly spreads into a patch about 3 feet across.
The red builds with age, showing fully after the second winter. Like most good things in a shade garden, it rewards a little patience.
Lady in Red at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red' |
| Fronds | Lacy, dark green, 2½ to 3 feet long |
| Stems | Burgundy red, deepening after establishment |
| Size | 30 to 36 inches tall, about 24 inches wide |
| Flowers | None; ferns reproduce by spores |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 8 |
| Light | Part shade to full shade |
| Deer | Resistant |
Its place in a lavender garden plan
Ferns and lavender sit at opposite ends of the garden. Lavender wants open sun and dry roots; Lady in Red wants moist shade. That is exactly why it belongs in the plan: it gives the shady side of a property the same fine, airy texture that lavender gives the sunny side. Plant it among dark-leaved coral bells or next to hostas, where the red stems really show, or use it to soften a north-facing foundation.
Map both areas in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Light: afternoon shade is important. In hot, dry sites fronds scorch and brown by late summer.
- Soil: humus-rich and evenly moist, with decent drainage.
- Water: keep it steadily moist through summer, especially in its first year.
- Winter: it dies back to the ground. Leave old fronds over the crown for protection.
- Spring: remove old fronds in early spring before the new fiddleheads unfurl.
- Pests: few problems; slugs may nibble new fronds.
In containers and masses
Lady in Red is handsome in a large shady container, where the stems are seen up close. In the ground, a mass planting under trees forms a soft, red-tinged carpet of green lace that fills in as the clumps slowly spread.
Two tray sizes
Lady in Red is offered as a 72-cell plug tray for mass plantings and growers potting up stock, and as a 20-cell plug tray with larger plugs for planting straight into a shade bed. See each product page for current availability, or visit the Wholesale Hub.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my stems not very red yet?
The color builds as the plant matures and shows fully after its second winter.
Is it native?
Yes. It is a selection of the native lady fern, chosen for its red stems.
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