Lady fern (Athyrium filix femina)

Add a touch of woodland charm to your garden with the elegant Lady Fern. Known for its delicate, lacy fronds and soft, light green foliage, this hardy fern brings a graceful, natural beauty to shaded, moist areas. Its ladder-like leaves create a lush, textured look, making it one of the prettiest ferns for UK gardens.

Ideal for pondside planting or boggy spots, the Lady Fern thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and is perfect for creating a wildlife-friendly habitat. Its dense foliage provides excellent cover for frogs, toads, and other garden visitors, making it a valuable addition to any nature-loving garden. You’ll often spot this fern in woodlands, along shady hedgerows, streams, and marshy meadows, where it grows effortlessly.

The Lady Fern is not only beautiful but also incredibly reliable. It has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its outstanding performance, stability of colour, and strong resistance to pests and diseases. Low-maintenance and hardy.

Details

• Native: Yes
• Sun: Part Shade to Full Shade
• Height: 45 – 60cm
• Spread: 30 – 75cm
• RHS PFP: No
• RHG AGM: Yes

Care Instructions

Thrives in moist soil, avoiding waterlogging, and prefers a sheltered location. Prune old foliage as needed to maintain its best appearance.

Repotting Instructions

Remove the plant from the pot, and plant in damp ground, in a hole deep enough to accommodate the root ball..