Lady in Red Fern Athyrium filix-femina subsp. angustum f. rubellum 'Lady in Red'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as 'Lady in Red' is a captivating variety characterized by its vibrant and distinctive red stems that contrast beautifully with its delicate, lace-like fronds. The fronds are a lush green color and have a classic feathery appearance that one typically associates with ferns. The red stems become more pronounced as the plant matures, adding a pop of color to the typically green palette of shade gardens. The plant's overall texture is soft and airy, contributing to its elegant and graceful presence in a garden setting. It has a natural, arching habit that gives it a gentle, flowing appearance, and its fronds are intricately structured with numerous small leaflets lined up along each side of the stem, creating a detailed and ornate look. Additionally, the foliage may occasionally show variegation or transitioning colors, which add depth and visual interest to its appearance.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Northern Lady Fern, Red-stemmed Lady Fern, Lady in Red Fern.
Common names
Athyrium angustum f. rubellum, Athyrium asplenioides, Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum, Athyrium filix-femina var. michauxii, Athyrium filix-femina var. rubellum.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Athyrium filix-femina subsp. angustum f. rubellum 'Lady in Red' is Lady Fern. Lady Fern is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant is not known to cause serious poisoning or adverse health effects. However, it is always advised to exercise caution and avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption.
To pets
The common name for Athyrium filix-femina subsp. angustum f. rubellum 'Lady in Red' is Lady Fern. Lady Fern is generally considered non-toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingesting parts of this plant is not known to cause serious poisoning or adverse health effects in pets. Nevertheless, pets should be discouraged from eating plants since individual animals may have varying sensitivities or allergic reactions, and non-toxic plants could still cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
1-3 feet [30-90 cm]
Spread
1-2.5 feet [30-75 cm]
Plant type
Fern
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal - 'Lady in Red' adds a striking visual element to gardens with its vibrant red stems and lacy green foliage.
- Shade Tolerance - This plant thrives in shady conditions where many other plants cannot, making it perfect for woodland gardens or shaded areas.
- Erosion Control - The fern's extensive root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Wildlife Habitat - Provides cover and habitat for various wildlife, including birds and insects, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Low Maintenance - Once established, 'Lady in Red' requires minimal care, making it a convenient choice for busy gardeners.
- Seasonal Interest - Its subtle changes in color provide year-round interest, particularly noticeable when it gains a reddish hue in the fall.
- Non-Invasive - Unlike some ornamental plants, 'Lady in Red' is non-invasive, reducing the risk of it spreading uncontrollably.
- Drought Resistance - Once established, it can withstand periods of low moisture, though it prefers consistently moist soils.
- Companion Planting - Works well when planted with other shade-loving perennials, creating a layered, textured garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Source: The fronds of 'Lady in Red' can be used to create a natural dye for textiles, imparting subtle green or yellow tones depending on the mordant used.
- Craft Material: The dried fronds can be artistically incorporated into wreaths and floral arrangements for rustic décor.
- Frost Art: On cold mornings, the frost-covered fronds of the 'Lady in Red' can be used to create temporary artworks by manipulating the frost patterns with a fine paintbrush.
- Sound Insulation: Dense plantings of 'Lady in Red' can help deaden sound in a loud area due to its thick foliage providing a sound barrier.
- Educational Tool: This plant can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant growth cycles, photosynthesis, and the importance of biodiversity.
- Habitat Creation: In a garden setting, the dense clumps of 'Lady in Red' create microhabitats for small wildlife like insects and amphibians.
- Photography: The vibrant red stems and lush green fronds offer a unique contrast that is coveted by photographers, especially in woodland settings.
- Thematic Gardens: 'Lady in Red' can be an integral part of a color-themed garden, particularly in areas designed to highlight shades of red and green.
- Feng Shui: According to Feng Shui principles, placing 'Lady in Red' in certain areas of the garden or home can bring a sense of growth and vitality.
- Soil Erosion Control: When planted in groups, the 'Lady in Red' ferns can help prevent soil erosion in sloped gardens or alongside stream banks.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Northern Maidenhair Fern is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Northern Maidenhair Fern is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Femininity: The common name 'Lady in Red' evokes imagery of delicate femininity and elegance, symbolizing the unique grace and beauty often associated with womanhood.
- Mystique: Ferns, in general, have an otherworldly quality that can symbolize the mysterious or the unseen, hinting at hidden depths or secrets.
- Protection: In some cultures, ferns are believed to have protective qualities, warding off negative energy and providing shelter to smaller creatures in their natural habitats.
- Eternal youth: With their ability to thrive and regenerate, ferns can symbolize new beginnings and the eternal renewal of life, reminiscent of perpetual youth.
- Shelter: As ferns create microhabitats in the wild, they are often symbolic of home, comfort, and shelter, extending this meaning to environments they're brought into.
WaterThe Lady Fern should be kept evenly moist, without becoming waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which is typically once a week depending on environmental conditions. Use room-temperature water and pour it directly onto the soil around the base of the plant until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot or the settled soil is visibly moist. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. In general, it might need approximately 1 gallon of water every 7-10 days, but always adjust based on temperature, humidity, and light conditions.
LightLady Fern thrives in partial to full shade with filtered light or morning sun. It is best to place the plant in a spot where it will be protected from strong afternoon sunlight, as too much direct sun can scorch the fronds. The ideal location is one that mimics the dappled sunlight of its natural woodland habitat, such as a north-facing window or a shaded garden area.
TemperatureLady Fern prefers temperatures between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can tolerate a range down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit without damage, but should not be exposed to temperatures below that for extended periods as it can cause harm to the plant. During the summer, ensure that the Lady Fern is not subjected to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods, as high heat can be detrimental.
PruningLady Fern does not require extensive pruning, but dead or damaged fronds should be removed to maintain plant health and appearance. The best time to prune is in the spring before new growth begins or as needed during the growing season. This helps prevent disease and encourages a tidy, lush plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLady Fern 'Lady in Red' thrives best in a rich organic soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7. A good mix consists of peat moss, leaf mold, and garden loam, which retains moisture yet allows for drainage. Adequate organic content ensures the soil remains fertile and holds adequate moisture.
RepottingLady Fern 'Lady in Red' generally doesn't require frequent repotting. It should be repotted or divided when it outgrows its container or when the center of the fern begins to die out, typically every 2 to 4 years to maintain its health and vigor.
Humidity & MistingLady Fern 'Lady in Red' prefers high humidity levels, typically around 70%. To thrive indoors or in a controlled environment, ensure that the air around the plant remains moist without making the foliage wet.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use rich, moist soil and shaded spot to grow Lady Fern 'Lady in Red' indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Lady Fern 'Lady in Red' in shady area with moist, rich soil outdoor.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Lady in Red' fern, commonly known as Northern Lady Fern, begins its life cycle as a spore, which requires a moist environment to germinate. Upon germination, the spore develops into a small, heart-shaped gametophyte (prothallus), which is independent of the sporophyte and harbors both male and female reproductive organs. When mature, the gametophyte produces sperm and eggs, leading to fertilization and the formation of a zygote, which will grow into a new sporophyte—the familiar fern plant. This sporophyte emerges as a fiddlehead, unfurling into a frond with the characteristic bright red or pinkish-red stems, and a feathery, green leaf pattern. The adult Northern Lady Fern matures and develops sori on the undersides of the fronds, which contain the reproductive spores, and the cycle begins anew when these spores are released into the environment. The fern thrives in moist, shady woodland areas and is a perennial, meaning it can live for several years, going through this reproductive cycle annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The 'Lady in Red' fern is commonly propagated through division during the spring months, as the new fronds begin to appear. This involves taking a mature plant and carefully dividing it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a piece of the rhizome and several fronds or fiddleheads. The divisions should then be replanted in moist, well-drained soil, at the same depth they were growing before, and kept consistently damp (not waterlogged) to encourage root growth. This method is favored for its simplicity and efficiency in creating new plants that are genetically identical to the parent fern, maintaining the desired characteristics of the 'Lady in Red' variety.
