Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens

Show all photos

Buy Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum 'Lady in Red'

Also Known As

Athyrium angustum f. rubellum
Athyrium angustum forma rubellum
Athyrium angustum forma rubellum 'Lady in Red'
Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red'
Lady in Red Fern
Northern Lady Fern

Plant type

fern

size

H: 20"-30"
W: 18"-24"

planting zones

2a-9b

3" | $13

Ships USPS, based on weight/location

Fewer than 20 at Secret Garden Growers

1 gallon | $25

Buy button links to nursery site for checkout

Fewer than 12 at Forestfarm

More Options

Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum 'Lady in Red' plant details

Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum 'Lady in Red' is a deciduous fern with green foliage. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum 'Lady in Red'

Plant type: fern
Plant family: athyriaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 20 IN - 30 IN - tall
Uses: border plant, container plant, easy-to-grow, lacy leaves, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum 'Lady in Red'

USDA Zones: 2a - 9b
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

We independently publish plant data to search multiple nurseries at once. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases when you buy through our links.

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Vibrant burgundy-red stems contrast wonderfully with the finely cut 2-3' fronds of this fantastic new fern selection; patience is required: color develops over 2 years; less nitrogen is better than more. PSh-Sh/M

By: Forestfarm

(LADY IN RED LADY FERN) Lacy light green fronds with contrasty red striping on stems on this naturalizing deciduous fern that grows 18-24” tall. Rich, humusy soil, moderately well drained in part to full shade with regular water. Easy. USDA Z4-8

By: Secret Garden Growers

A beautiful sport off of the Eastern U.S. native Lady Fern, 'Lady in Red' features strong but very soft fronds with red stems - especially in early summer. When the new fronds are first beginning to emerge in early spring the red shows from even a great distance in the garden until the green leafy tissue grows out after a week or two. the Lady in Red fern is more drought and sun tolerant than most other ferns and is generally tougher than many other fern species. This is a good pick for those who have a history of killing plants because it is very forgiving and even if it appears to die will often come back beautifully the next season.

Prefers moist but well drained soil, consider adding 50% shredded pine or fir bark to your planting area for optimal growth.

Shipping Notes:

Ferns are shipped bare root with their fronds pruned back. Plant the root ball so that the crown is just sticking up out of the soil.

By: Red Panda Nursery

Athyrium angustum forma rubellum, commonly called the Lady in Red Fern, features lacy, light green foliage held upright on dark, brilliant red-violet stems. The burgundy color in the stems develops after the second dormancy. A deciduous variety. Ferns thrive in neutral to acidic, loose, richly organic soil. Excellent for mass plantings, rock gardens, containers, in woodlands and naturalized landscapes.

By: Little Prince of Oregon

This lovely fern has attractive, red stems. It is tough and easy to grow, and looks right at home in perennial borders and woodland settings.

By: Garden World

A graceful clumping fern with medium green fronds accented nicely with vibrant burgundy stems. Plant in low sun to full shade in moist but well drained, rich humus soil. Avoid Nitrogen fertilizer to enhance the red color of the stems. 30-36 inches tall. Zones 3 to 8, Deciduous.

By: Sebright Gardens

Discovered in Vermont, 'Lady in Red' is a superior selection of a hardy Lady Fern. This upright fern has bright red stems that complement the green foliage. It makes an ideal cold-hardy landscape fern for a shady or woodland area. Hardy in zones 3-8, 'Lady in Red' is a reliable, but attractive, hardy plant for a shady setting with moist, rich soil.

By: Logee's Plants for Home & Garden

We applaud the New England Wildflower Society for discovering this fantastic sturdy form of the native Lady Fern, which roams the eastern and central areas of our country. Forging an elegant vase shape, uniquely colored red-violet stems are hard to miss and look especially vibrant against artful light green, lacy foliage. The dense deciduous clump maintains a fresh appearance as new delicate-looking leaves unfurl throughout the growing season. Unfazed by deer, rabbits and poor clay soil, easily maintained 'Lady in Red' spreads gradually and lends bold colorful accents to perennial plantings or woodland gardens.

By: Digging Dog Nursery

A tall, lovely fern, soft green in color, with distinctive red stems. Only a couple available this season.

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

The attractively delicate and very hardy Lady Fern is now even more beautiful. This selection has a fountain of 30" brilliant red stems (stipes) that create a wonderful lacy contrast with surrounding groundcover. Fantastic results can be achieved with nearly any companion