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Public Plant Profile

Lady in Red Fern

Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red' (Lady Fern)

Category: Fern • Lady Fern

Discover the Lady in Red Fern, a stunning addition to shade gardens with its striking red stems and delicate fronds.

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Mature Height: 2-3 feet

Mature Width: 2-3 feet

Light: Shade

Zone: Zones 3-8

Maintenance: Low

Growth Rate: Moderate

Season of Interest: Multi-season

Foliage: Deciduous

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Lady in Red Fern is a striking perennial with vibrant red stems and delicate green fronds. It thrives in shaded areas, adding texture and color to gardens.

Ideal Conditions

Prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Thrives in cool, humid environments.

Soil Preferences

Requires rich, organic soil with good drainage. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Sun Needs

Shade

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

shade gardenborderspecimen

Special Features

Attractive red stemsdelicate fronds

Wildlife Value

Attracts various pollinators and provides habitat.

Resistance / Tolerance

Moderate humidity and shade tolerance.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for adding texture and color in shaded areas. Works well in woodland gardens.

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Design Ideas Using This Plant

Use this page to get a feel for where Lady in Red Fern may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lady in Red Fern a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

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