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July's
Plant of the Month
Lady Fern
Athyrium filix-femina
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This graceful fern emerges around the same time the dogwoods are in bloom and is an excellent addition for naturalizing a shaded area. The origin of the plant's name is said to come from it's reproductive structures, borne inconspicuously along the leaf margin and are concealed in a manner deemed "female". It is also known as wood fern's wife. There are several varieties of lady fern native to North America. In moist, cool enviroments it can reach 5-6' but usually only grows to 2-3'. One variety, var. minutissimum, will only reach 5 inches. Fertile fronds have a crescent-shaped spore clusters called sori, located along the midrib. It is tolerates drier soil better than most ferns, although drought, heat waves, and persistent winds will scorch the fronds, turning them brown along the leaf edge. This is a plant that maybe the answer to the tricky spot under the eaves of the house where soil can be dry and shaded. The plant will bounce back the next year if it is trampled by children or the family dog. Grown in humusy, consistently moist acid soil and will spread by its rhizome root system. Plant lady ferns in the spring after the danger of frost is gone. Although it can be transplanted in the spring or fall, division is best attempted in the spring, shortly after new growth has emerged. It will tolerate full sun but does better in light shade. This plant is excellent with bold, large-leaved plants like hosta and rhododendron. Is excellent for covering the fading foliage of spring bulbs. Pill bugs, snails, and slugs can be a problem. Crown rot maybe a problem, but is easily avoided by not watering at the end of the day.
Size: 5 inches to 5 feet -- although 2-3' is most common
Habit: Arching
Bloom Season: none
Culture: Light
shade, moist, acid-humus soil..
Utilization:
Along streams, rock gardens, foundation planting.
Propagation:
Division in spring or by collecting spores in late July and August
Disease and Insects:
None serious, but crown rot and slugs can be a problem
Climate Range:
Zone 3-8. If you are not sure of your climate range, see map.
Cultivars:There are numerous varieties with different colored and shaped foliage.
'Plant of the Month' Archive
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