Common Lady Fern

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Sun

(0 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

1 Foot

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Common Lady Fern, or Athyrium filix femina, is a deciduous, woodland perennial, known for its vibrant green, textured, lace-like fronds. These delicate-but-strong fronds bob and sway in even the sweetest breeze, and lend texture and delight to any landscape. The stalks of the Lady Fern are thick, and green to purplish-red in color. With a spread of 12 to 18 inches, the Common Lady Fern is between 2 and 3 feet tall.

Native to the continental United States and Alaska, the Common Lady Fern has a vigorous, upright, vase-shaped habit that is excellent for naturalizing and ground cover. The Common Lady Fern is low-maintenance and provides shady and secure cover for birds and other small critters. It is a favorite of florists and makes an excellent cut flower and filler option for bouquets and arrangements in need of texture and greenery.

Common Lady Fern Care

Plant your Common Lady Fern in full to partial sunlight. It can tolerate a variety of soils if they are well-drained and rich with organic matter. After planting, apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch near the base of the plant to keep the roots cool and the soil moist. The Lady Fern requires average watering. You should not deadhead your Lady Fern. Fertilize yearly in the spring with well-rotted manure or compost. Potted ferns should be fertilized annually with slow-release fertilizer. 

Common Lady Fern Spacing

The Common Lady Fern is an excellent option for providing a robust ground cover, and is especially beautiful when planted en masse. Like most ferns, it makes a fantastic container plant, and is an excellent addition to any shady patio space or entryway. At planting, space your Common Lady Fern 30 inches apart from center to center.