Athyrium are commonly referred to as “lady ferns” because of their delicate lacy-cut fronds. Very lady-like! But Athyrium isn't dainty. Much larger than just one fern, it is a genus of about 180 different species including Japanese Painted Fern Athyrium niponicum, Ghost Fern Athyrium 'Ghost,' Eared Lady Fern, and Southern Lady Fern Athyrium asplenioides. 

This group of deciduous terrestrial ferns are native to moist forests–both tropical and temperate–all across the planet from Asia, Europe, North Africa, Canada, and the United States. A very wide range! The name comes from the Greek athyros meaning "doorless" in reference to the slowly opening, hinged spore covers. 

Grown as houseplants, as garden border plants, along streambanks, or in meadow or woodland gardens, athyrium can easily find a home as a shady groundcover or herbaceous understory plants. Evolved to thrive in lush, humid, and shady conditions, they are perfect for the lower levels of woodland ecosystems. Give them part shade or full shade and rich, consistently moist soil and you will have suitably dense ground cover over time. Divide the clumps in spring every few years to propagate. 

This spring at Painters, we are carrying four different species of athyrium (including three varieties of Japanese Painted Fern). Read about these elegant plants to see if they are a good fit for your needs and your style!

All in 6.5" pots for $14.00!

Ghost Painted Fern

Athyrium x 'Ghost'

• Type: Perennial

• USDA Growing Zones: 4-8

• Sun Exposure: Part-full shade

• Size: 18-24'' tall, 12-18'' wide

• Attractive, upright fronds have a unique grey-green tone

• Cross between lady fern and Japanese painted fern, combining the best traits of both parents

• Deciduous; can be easily divided in spring (every 3-4 years)

Japanese Painted Fern 'Regal Red'

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Regal Red'

• Type: Perennial

• USDA Growing Zones: 4-9

• Sun Exposure: Part-full shade

• Size: 1-2' tall and wide

• Striking red-burgundy fronds with silver edges, elegant and unique

• Deciduous, clump-forming; 

• Low maintenance; deer and rabbit resistant

Japanese Painted Fern 'Godzilla'

Athyrium 'Godzilla'

• Type: Perennial

• USDA Growing Zones: 5-8

• Sun Exposure: Part-full shade

• Size: 3' tall, 3-6' wide

• Silvery fronds with green highlights and dark purple stems, forms a massive, arching clump

• Low maintenance; deer and rabbit resistant

Japanese Painted Fern 'Red Beauty'

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Red Beauty'

• Type: Perennial 

• USDA Growing Zones: 4-9

• Sun Exposure: Part-full shade

• Size: 1-2' tall and wide

• Lacy, silvery grey fronds contrast elegantly with burgundy stems and midveins; takes on greener tones as the weather warms

• Deciduous, clump-forming

• Low maintenance; deer and rabbit resistant

Lady Fern 'Lady in Red'

Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red'

• Type: NATIVAR Perennial 

• USDA Growing Zones: 4-8

• Sun Exposure: Part-full shade

• Size: 1-3' tall and wide

• Tolerates drier soils than many other ferns

• Bright red stems contrast beautifully with lacy ornamental fronds

• Vigorous and easy to grow plus the fiddleheads are delicious!

• Can tolerate sun but only if soil is kept consistently moist

Eared Lady Fern 'Limelight'

Athyrium otophorum 'Limelight'

• Type: Perennial 

• USDA Growing Zones: 5-9

• Sun Exposure: Part-full shade

• Size: 1-2' tall and wide

• Exquisite fronds emerge chartreuse and mature to green, creating a two-toned effect

• May stay evergreen in mild winters; deer resistant

• Outstanding specimen for container combos or woodland gardens