Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red'

Red-stemmed Lady Fern

'Lady in Red' has sultry red stems surrounded by bright green, lacy fronds. New fronds arise gracefully from the crown all season long, keeping plants from getting worn looking. Clumps are dense and upright. This deciduous fern is vigorous and easy to grow. Ferns provide seasonal cover and hiding places for ground frequenting birds such as ovenbirds, waterthrushes, wood thrushes, robins and Carolina wrens.

• Easy to grow; tolerates a wide range of soil and light conditions


• Provides seasonal cover for birds and other wildlife


• Good ground cover in shaded areas


• Colorful fronds can be used in fresh arrangements

Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Easy to grow in part to full shade. Tolerates sun if the soil stays moist.

Prefers well-drained soil with average moisture, but this fern tolerates drier soil than other ferns.

Shelter from wind to protect fronds from breaking.

If fronds become tattered, cut them to the ground and new fronds will emerge.

Height 2-3 Feet

Spread 1-3 Feet

Native Range Woods; Newfoundland and Quebec to the Dakotas, south to Texas and Florida. Distribution Maps by State and County

Native Trivia Fiddleheads are the young coiled fern leaves that resemble the spiral end of a violin appearing at the end of the frond when it emerges from the ground. The shoots are in their coiled form for about 2 weeks before they unfurl and most fiddleheads are edible. Fiddleheads can be steamed, stir-fried, sautéed or baked.

USDA Hardiness Zone 2-8

"These showy shade plants provide cover and nesting material for our songbird friends."

Characteristics & Attributes

Plan Sub Group • Low Perennials	Exposure • Filtered Shade • Sun • Shade	Soil • Wide soil tolerance	Soil Moisture Preference • Average • Moist but well-drained
Attracts Wildlife • Mammals	Habitat Collection • Dry Shade	Native Habitat • Forest	Foliage Color • Red • Green
Uses • Ground cover • Cut or dried flower