Also known as Lady Fern · 1k gardener saves
Athyrium: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Athyrium, the genus most gardeners know as lady fern. We track 37 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Athyrium varieties
Of 37 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedJapanese Painted Fern
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'
#2 most savedGhost Fern
Athyrium niponicum 'Ghost'
#3 most savedLady Fern
Athyrium filix-femina
Lady in Red Fern
Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red'
Eared Lady Fern
Athyrium otophorum 'Okanum'
Tatting Fern
Athyrium filix-femina 'Frizelliae'
Silvery Glade Fern
Athyrium thelypteroides
Dwarf Lady Fern
Athyrium filix-femina 'Minutissimum'
Japanese Painted Fern 'Wildwood Twist'
Athyrium niponicum 'Wildwood Twist'
Japanese Painted Fern
Athyrium niponicum 'Metallicum'
Lady Fern
Athyrium felix-femina
Lady Fern
Athyrium filix-femina 'Fancy Fronds'
Browse all 37 Athyrium varieties →
How to grow Athyrium
What the Athyrium varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 37 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Athyrium year
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March100% of varieties
Cut back all old, dead fronds before new fiddleheads emerge in late winter.
- DivideMarch and April97% of varieties
Divide overcrowded clumps every 3-5 years in early spring.
- MulchMarch and April95% of varieties
Apply a layer of organic mulch to keep roots cool and moist.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October41% of varieties
Plant or transplant in spring or early fall into humus-rich soil.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Avoid
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
- Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds ❌
- Don't let soil dry out completely
What goes wrong with Athyrium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with organic insecticidal soap |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in fronds | Use slug bait or handpick during damp evenings |
| Scale Insects | Sticky residue and yellowing leaves | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning fronds | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Rhizoctonia root rot | Wilting and browning of fronds | Improve drainage and avoid overwatering |
| Fungal leaf spots | Dark spots on fronds | Remove affected leaves and apply fungicide if necessary |
Making more Athyrium
Division
- Dig up the clump in early spring or fall
- Separate smaller sections with roots attached
- Plant divisions immediately in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Wait 2-3 weeks for establishment
Spores
- Collect mature spores from the underside of fronds in late summer.
- Sow spores on moist, sterile seed-starting mix.
- Keep in a shaded, humid environment for 6 weeks.
- Maintain consistent moisture until germination occurs.
Athyrium questions
How many types of Athyrium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 37 distinct Athyrium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1k real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Athyrium grow in?
Across its varieties, Athyrium covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Athyrium bloom?
Most Athyrium varieties bloom in early spring, late spring, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Athyrium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
More on Athyrium
Athyrium shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Athyrium in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
