Athyrium filix-femina 'FRIZELLIAE' Mrs.Frizell's lady fern, tatting fern
Athyrium
Lady fern is an elegant and beautiful fern, one of the most popular. It has bright green fronds of lacy leaves, and the species is renowned for its ability to thrive in full sun, unfortunately unlike some of its further varieties.Frizelliae is a variety name of Mrs.Frizell's lady fern, also called tatting fern referring to its small, very decorative leaves which resemble old-fashioned tatted hand-made lace. The small leaflets (pinnae) are mid green, only about 1-1,5 cm across, rounded, and look like a miniature of profusely toothed cranesbill leaf. Midribs (central stems holding the leaflets) are rather arching, 15-30 cm long, deciduous.
The plant is clump forming, growing into a dense perennial with profusion of leaves from one centre (not weedy). If desired, divide in March-April, after frosts, before leaves emerge. Lady fern needs light and neutral to acidic soil that is constantly moist or even wet. On a wet site it can take full sun all summer long. Fully hardy to min. -45°C (USDA zone 2).
Last update 28-12-2016
