Lady in Red Fern
Lady in Red Fern
Lacy Green Fronds on Striking Red Stems for the Shade
Lady in Red Fern (Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red') is a standout selection of our native lady fern, prized for the vivid burgundy-red stems that glow beneath its airy, lacy green fronds. The color contrast lights up shaded beds and intensifies as the plant matures. Tough, adaptable, and deer-resistant, it brings refined texture and a pop of color to woodland gardens in Woodbury, Maple Grove, and Eagan.
Lady in Red Fern Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red' |
| Mature Size | 24–30 in. tall, 18–24 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 4–8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Part shade to full shade |
| Soil | Moist, rich soil; tolerates clay with added compost |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to about -25°F; dies back and returns each spring |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed by deer or rabbits |
| Foliage | Deciduous; lacy green fronds with red-burgundy stems |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Color in the shade garden: The red stems add warmth and contrast among green-foliage shade plants. Space 18–24 inches apart for a full look.
Woodland borders: A graceful, upright accent beneath trees and along shaded walks. Pair with hostas, Japanese painted fern, and astilbe.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall (late August–mid September) into moist, shaded soil. Keep consistently moist through establishment.
How to Plant Lady in Red Fern
Dig a hole twice the root ball width at the same depth, mixing in compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water well, and mulch with shredded leaves. Space 18–24 inches apart.
Watering Lady in Red Fern
First year: Keep the soil evenly moist — water every 1–2 days in dry weather.
After year one: Maintain steady moisture; lady fern tolerates short dry spells better than most but prefers consistent moisture.
Q: Are the stems really red?
Yes — the burgundy-red stems are the signature feature, deepening in color as the plant establishes.
Q: Is it related to the native lady fern?
Yes — it's a selection of Athyrium filix-femina, the native lady fern, chosen for its colorful stems.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Yes — deer and rabbits rarely browse ferns.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 4, returning each spring.
You May Also Like
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina): The classic native species in fresh green.
Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum): Silvery fronds that pair beautifully with the red stems.
Hosta: Bold foliage to anchor the lacy fern texture.