Athyrium 'Lady in Red'

Athyrium 'Lady in Red': Green Lace on Burgundy Legs

Lacy green fronds on bright red stems, swaying in the shade like the song came on and she knows every word. 'Lady in Red' is the fern that gets asked to dance first, EVERY SINGLE TIME.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Athyrium filix-femina subsp. angustum f. rubellum 'Lady in Red'
• Common Name: Northern Lady Fern
• Height: 45–75 cm (18–30 in)
• Spread: 60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
• Flowers: None. Ferns reproduce by spores.
• Foliage: Lacy, light green fronds on bright burgundy-red stems. Deciduous.
• Features: Colourful stems

Where to Plant: Use it in woodland gardens, shady borders and along paths, where you'll notice the red stems. It works well in groups and in naturalized areas.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Lady in Red' in a moist, shady bed where its red stems show against blue and gold. Heucherella Fun and Games® 'Hopscotch' adds colourful foliage at 25 to 30 cm with cream flowers in May and June. Astilbe 'Heart and Soul' brings lavender-pink plumes at 75 cm from July to September. Hosta 'Sum and Substance' adds huge chartreuse-gold leaves at 90 cm. Carex 'Blue Zinger' edges the front with arching steel-blue blades at 30 to 45 cm.

Plant Care: Plant it in fertile, moist, humus-rich soil in part shade or bright shade. It takes a little more sun if the soil stays cool and moist. Water regularly during its first season and during dry spells. Leave fallen leaves around it as mulch. Cut back old fronds in early spring before the new ones emerge. It spreads slowly into a broad clump; divide in spring if needed.

History: 'Lady in Red' was discovered in Vermont by John Lynch of the New England Wild Flower Society, now called Native Plant Trust. It's a selection of the northern lady fern, Athyrium filix-femina subsp. angustum, which grows wild across eastern North America, including Ontario.

Final Thoughts: Low maintenance, deer resistant and better on the dance floor than your uncle. PLANT HER AND TURN UP THE MUSIC.