Athyrium
( ath - EER - ee - um )
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At-A-Glance InformationAthyrium, commonly called Lady fern or Japanese Painted Fern, is a genus of ferns that require full or partial shade and regular to ample water. These are graceful ferns that brighten shaded places in the garden and woodland areas. They spread by creeping rhizomes, and should be planted away from high-traffic areas to avoid damage to their foliage. Many species turn brown in frosty conditions.
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Athyrium Species and Varietals
The genus Athyrium is a member of the plant family Athyriaceae and includes 180 distinct species. The best growing zones for these ferns vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Athyrium distentifolium (Alpine Lady Fern) This species is native to a wide range in the Northern Hemisphere and produces light green fronds that reach between 12 and 28 inches long. This is a snow-tolerant species of ferns. |
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Athyrium filix-femina (Lady Fern, Common Lady-Fern)
This plant grows best in zones A1-A3, 1-9, and 14-24 and is native to most of North America. It has a vigorous root system and is considered to be somewhat invasive. Typically, they reach up to 4 feet tall and about 2-3 feet wide, and have finely divided fronds. Varieties of this species are outlined below.
This plant grows best in zones A1-A3, 1-9, and 14-24 and is native to most of North America. It has a vigorous root system and is considered to be somewhat invasive. Typically, they reach up to 4 feet tall and about 2-3 feet wide, and have finely divided fronds. Varieties of this species are outlined below.
'Frizelliae'
Gets to 8 inches tall and 1 foot wide, with balled-up fronds. |
'Vernoniae Cristatum'
Gets 2.5 feet tall and wide, with crested and feathered fronds. |
'Victoriae'
With 2-3 foot long fronds with crisscross leaflets. |
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Athyrium 'Ghost' This species grows best in zones 1-9 and 14-24 and is a popular hybrid variety. Upright growth to 2.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with silvery gray fronds that have showy purple midribs. |
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Athyrium niponicum (Japanese Painted Fern) This species gets to 1-1.5 feet tall and wide, and creates a tight spreading clump of foliage. Leaves are balayaged; purple at the base, lavender in the middle, and silvery green towards the tip. Grows best in zones 1-9 and 14-24. |
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Athyrium otophorum (English Painted Fern, Eared Lady Fern) This species is native to China, Japan and Korea, and grows best in zones 3-9 and 14-24. It has grey- green fronds with reddish-purple midribs. They open pale green. These are deciduous ferns that form tufts of foliage and are hardy down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. |
Caring for Athyrium
Pruning can be done after new growth has appeared; dead and dying areas should be left on the plant until this time because it actually mulches and protects the emerging growth. They love rich, damp soil and can tolerate considerable sun if given enough water (keep the soil constantly moist in these conditions), but they do prefer to be planted in areas with full or partial shade.
Propagation
Divide old clumps in springtime.
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
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A field of thea sinensis
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Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'
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Videos
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A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 178, Athyrium
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