Lady in Red Fern (Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum 'Lady in Red')

Lady in Red Fern (Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum 'Lady in Red'), a Northern Lady Fern selection, is a deciduous fern with delicate-looking, lacy light green fronds and contrasting burgundy accents.

Grow in part shade and rich, acidic, moist but well-drained soil. It can tolerate full sun when moisture is consistent and offers deer resistance. It can spread aggressively in ideal conditions.

Dormancy note: Deciduous ferns may remain dormant until late spring. A dormant plant may arrive with no visible fronds, making the pot appear to contain only soil; new growth emerges as the plant leaves dormancy.

Growing details

• Plant type: Deciduous fern
• Species origin: Northeastern North America
• Mature size: 1.5–2.5 feet tall and wide
• Spacing: Approximately 2 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–8
• Light: Best in part shade; tolerates full shade or full sun with consistent moisture
• Soil: Rich, acidic, moist and well-drained
• Foliage: Lacy light green fronds with burgundy accents
• Additional traits: Deer resistance

Care and garden use

This fern has moderate to high water needs. Water regularly to keep soil moist. Protect its delicate stems from strong winds and high-traffic areas, and allow room for spreading.

Use as an accent or in grouped plantings, borders, woodland gardens, naturalized areas, moist rock gardens, or containers. Plant near ponds and streams in soil that meets its drainage needs. Companion options include tea berry, alumroot, and azalea where conditions suit each plant.

Image credits: Photo by Kristine Paulus; photo by David J. Stang, Athyrium filix-femina 3zz, CC BY-SA 4.0; photo by cultivar413, 160529 285 NYBG - Azalea Way, Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum 'Lady in Red' Northern Lady Fern cultivar. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.