Description

Stunning frosted apple green fronds brighten up the shade. Dark purple stems hold the broad fronds rigidly upright. More tolerant of drier soils than other ferns but soils must not be allowed to dry out. Lady fern fronds emerge later in spring, so this fern is a great companion plant for spring ephemerals like Virginia bluebells that are fading out when the lady starts to make her appearance. Ferns prefer well-drained soil high in organic matter. Mulch with leaves or aged hardwood bark in the spring and fall. Fern foliage provides food for many butterflies and moths during their caterpillar stage. Height: 2-2.5 ft. Spread: 1.5-2 ft. Spreads by: rhizomes Family: Athyriaceae Sun: part shade to full shade Water: medium Deer and rabbit resistant photo credit: David J. Stang