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Athyrium otophorum
eared lady fern
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Image © Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks
Image © Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks |
Printer-friendly Fact Sheet
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| Outstanding Qualities |
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The ghostly whitish-green fronds of eared lady fern are a delight in the shade garden. Each new frond unfurls with a purplish cast that quickly gives way to long-lasting pale green. The central leaf stem retains the purple hue, creating a delightful contrast. This fern is elegant and eye-catching but not garish. The fronds arch gracefully out from the crown, creating an open habit that best shows off their lovely structure and color. This fern is especially useful for brightening shady spots. The deep green of many other shade plants act as the perfect foil for the glowing foliage of eared lady fern. Use it for contrast with other ferns or mixed with other woodland perennials, such as hostas, hellebores and Omphalodes verna. It is also radiant mixed with purpleleaf heucheras. |
| Culture |
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Eared lady fern needs protection from hot afternoon sun and is best in open bright shade or a spot with morning sun. Provide fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil and water it consistently during summer dry spells. Although this fern is deciduous, its foliage lasts well into early winter, often not losing its appeal until December, when it should be cut to the ground. |
| Growing Habit |
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The delicately arching frame of this handsome fern becomes about 18 inches high and 24 inches across. The overall effect is a slightly layered, mint-green mound. |
| Hardiness |
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USDA zones 5 to 8 |
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© 2009 Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden