The Story
Plant Bio
Athyrium filix-femina, the lady fern, is a deciduous fern with finely-textured, arching, light green fronds. 'Lady in Red' is a notable cultivar featuring contrasting, bright red to reddish-purple stipes (stems).
The defining feature of 'Lady in Red' is its striking, ruby-red to burgundy stipes (stems) which create a beautiful contrast with the lacy, bright green fronds. The color is most pronounced on new growth and in cooler climates.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moist
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to pets
Bloom period
Late spring – Late fall
In flower about 7 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck fern spores or divisions into well-prepared soil
- Mist cuttings lightly to maintain humidity
- Keep soil consistently moist for best growth
- Provide partial shade with protection from harsh sun
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells
Pro Tip
Plant in rich, moist soil with dappled shade for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Fertilize with organic compost in early spring
- Prune dead or damaged fronds as needed
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
Don't
- Avoid overexposing to direct sunlight ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy, compacted soils without proper drainage
- Refrain from excessive fertilizing which can cause weak growth
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Lady in Red Fern questions
What zones can Lady in Red Fern grow in?
Lady in Red Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Lady in Red Fern deer resistant?
Yes — Lady in Red Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Lady in Red Fern bloom?
Lady in Red Fern typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Lady in Red Fern need full sun?
Lady in Red Fern does best in part shade.
More Athyrium to compare
Lady Fern
Athyrium filix-femina
Ghost Fern
Athyrium niponicum 'Ghost'
Pictum Japanese Painted Fern
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'
Japanese Painted Fern
Athyrium niponicum 'Japanese Painted Fern'
Okanum fern
Athyrium otophorum 'Okanum'
Tatting Fern
Athyrium filix-femina 'Frizelliae'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Lady in Red Fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.