Product Description
Athyrium f-f. 'Fronds Forever' PPAF CPBRAF (20)ct Flat Proven Winners®
Common Name: Lady Fern
Make a statement in the shade with this crested broad-leaved fern! Leaves are flat with cresting along the margins and a tassel at the end of each frond. Individual pinna are wide and closely spaced together, contributing to an overall full, dense habit. Excellent vigor with filling out containers or establishing in the landscape. A must have for shady spaces!
Athyrium grows best in moist soil with a neutral to moderately acidic pH. Partial to full shade is best; some sunlight is necessary to draw out the coloring. To protect the crowns and tender shoots in the spring, it is best to leave the old fronds on the plant over the winter. They can be removed in the spring when the new fronds reach 6 inches tall. If division is necessary, do so in the spring.
Height: 24.0 Inches
Spread: 18.0-24.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Foliage Color: Green shades
Part Shade to Full Shade
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Ground Cover, Attractive Foliage
Athyrium filix-femina 'Fronds Forever' is a unique and visually appealing fern that adds a touch of whimsy and texture to shade gardens. Here is what makes it special:
What Makes Athyrium filix-femina 'Fronds Forever' Special
- Crested Fronds: The most distinctive feature of 'Fronds Forever' is its crested fronds. This means that the tips of the fronds and the edges of the leaflets (pinnae) are adorned with extra tissue, creating a ruffled, crested, or tasseled effect. This adds a unique texture and dimension to the fern.
- Dense Habit: The fronds are composed of wide, closely spaced pinnae, creating a full and lush appearance. This dense habit makes it an excellent filler plant for shade gardens and containers.
- Vigorous Growth: 'Fronds Forever' is known for its vigorous growth, quickly establishing itself and forming a substantial clump.
- Adaptable to Drier Conditions: While most ferns prefer consistently moist soil, 'Fronds Forever' is slightly more tolerant of drier conditions, making it a good choice for beginner gardeners or those with less-than-ideal soil conditions.
- Deer Resistant: Like many ferns, it is generally avoided by deer, which is a bonus for gardeners in areas with deer pressure.
Description and Details
- Common Name: Fronds Forever Lady Fern
- Botanical Name: Athyrium filix-femina 'Fronds Forever'
- Mature Size: 24 inches tall, 18-24 inches wide
- Foliage: Bright green, crested fronds with a dense habit
- Spores: Ferns reproduce via spores, not flowers.
- Growth Habit: Clumping
- Hardiness Zones: 3-8
- Light: Part shade to full shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Water: Water regularly, especially during dry periods
Landscaping Design Tips
- Shade Gardens: It thrives in shade gardens, where its unique texture and bright green color can brighten up dark corners.
- Woodland Gardens: It is a natural choice for woodland gardens, where it can mingle with other shade-loving plants.
- Containers: It is well-suited for containers, adding a touch of whimsy and greenery to patios and balconies.
- Mass Plantings: Plant it in groups or masses for a more dramatic effect.
- Companion Plants: Consider pairing them with other shade-loving plants with contrasting foliage textures and colors, such as:
- Hostas
- Coral Bells (Heuchera)
- Foamflower (Tiarella)
- Astilbes
Planting and Care
- Planting:
- Choose a shady location with moist, well-drained soil.
- Plant in spring or fall.
- Space plants according to their mature size (about 18-24 inches apart).
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Care:
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilize lightly in spring if desired.
- Remove any old or tattered fronds in early spring.
- Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding and rejuvenate the plant.
Additional Notes
- 'Fronds Forever' is a cultivar of the Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina), a common native fern in North America.
- It is a great choice for gardeners looking for a unique and easy-to-grow fern for shade gardens.
- The crested fronds add a touch of whimsy and texture that can elevate the look of any shade garden.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!