Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red' (Lady in Red Fern)

'Lady in Red' is a unique, ornamental cultivar of Athyrium filix-femina, commonly referred to red lady fern or 'Lady in Red' fern. Named for its contrasting light green fronds and burgundy red central veins, 'Lady in Red' is low-maintenance, thrives in part to full shade, and grows best in organically rich, moist, well drained soil. This cultivar grows very similarly to its parent species, and as such tolerates drier soil and more intense sunlight better than most ferns, but still prefers things on the moist, cool end of the spectrum, requiring consistent moisture if planted in sunnier spots.

The 'Lady in Red' cultivar has a slightly more compact size than other varieties of Athyrium filix-femina, and maxes out around 30" tall and wide. Its delicate foliage and striking red-violet stalks make it a vibrant addition to shady, moist spots anywhere in the landscape, and especially in rain gardens and woodland plantings. In terms of ecological benefit, a lack of flowers means that Athyrium filix-femina won't attract pollinators but, like many ferns, 'Lady in Red' fills the niche of food source and host plant for several species of moth and butterfly.