Product Description
Athyrium filix-femina 'Victoriae' (20)ct Flat
Common Name: Lady Fern
This vigorous selection of A. filix-femina forms a dense mound of cascading dark green fronds. The end and sides of each pinna is crested in a crisscrossing pattern for additional garden texture. An excellent complement to hostas, coral bells, and other broad leaf shade perennials!
Athyrium grows best in moist soil with a neutral to moderately acidic pH. Partial to full shade is best. 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.
Ferns can be sensitive to high salt levels and may become scorched or experience root injury. Ferns need to be kept consistantly moist at all times. They do not, however, want to be soggy or water logged.
Height: 18.0-24.0 Inches
Spread: 18.0-24.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Foliage Color: Green shades
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) to Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Native to North America
The texture is so unique, it is bound to set itself apart from all of the other plants in your shade garden. This is useful as a background plant in shade gardens and is also beautiful planted en masse along streams or woodland settings.
Athyrium filix-femina 'Victoriae', also known as the Victorian Lady Fern, is a truly captivating fern that adds a touch of Victorian elegance to any shade garden. Here is why it is so special:
Unique Appearance:
- Intricate fronds: 'Victoriae' boasts lacy, finely divided fronds that are more delicate and intricate than the common Lady Fern. The pinnae (leaflets) are narrow and often twisted or overlapping, creating a textured and almost feathery appearance.
- Crested tips: The frond tips are distinctively crested or forked, adding to its unique charm. This is a key characteristic that sets it apart from other Lady Fern varieties.
- Upright growth: It has an upright, vase-shaped growth habit, forming a dense clump that can reach up to 2 feet tall.
Growing Conditions:
- Shade lover: Like most ferns, 'Victoriae' thrives in partial to full shade. It is ideal for woodland gardens, shady borders, or areas under trees.
- Moisture is essential: It needs consistently moist soil. Avoid letting the soil dry out, especially during the first year of establishment. Amending the soil with organic matter and mulching can help retain moisture.
- Hardiness: This cultivar is hardy in USDA zones 4-8, meaning it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Uses:
- Specimen plant: Its unique appearance makes it a great choice for a focal point in a shade garden.
- Woodland gardens: It blends beautifully with other shade-loving plants in a woodland setting.
- Shady borders: It adds texture and interest to shady borders.
- Container gardening: It can also be grown in containers, as long as you ensure consistent moisture.
Benefits:
- Unique beauty: Its intricate fronds and crested tips make it a truly eye-catching plant.
- Easy to grow: Once established, it is relatively low maintenance.
- Deer resistant: Deer tend to avoid ferns.
Things to keep in mind:
- Avoid direct sunlight: In hot climates, direct sun can scorch the leaves.
- Consistent moisture: This is crucial for success.
- Protect from strong winds: Strong winds can damage the delicate fronds.
Overall, Athyrium filix-femina 'Victoriae' is a beautiful and unique fern that will add a touch of Victorian charm to your 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!
