Athyrium filix-femina 'Minutissimum'
Dwarf Lady Fern
- Type
- Fern
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 4–8
- Sun
- Part Shade, Full Shade
- Soil
- Moist, Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 8–10 Inches · Spread 6–10 Inches
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Seasonality
- Dies back
This variety is no actively in production in our propagation house and may not return to our catalogue. We maintain this page purely for reference and archival purposes. If you would like to grow this plant, tell us. Your interest helps guide what we bring back.
For a larger installation or commercial project, write hello@woodlanders.net.
A miniature of the lady fern, Athyrium filix-femina 'Minutissimum' keeps every bit of the species' lacy grace at a fraction of the size, building a dense little tuft of delicate, light green fronds just eight to ten inches high. The fine texture and small scale make this dwarf fern a jewel for the front of a shaded bed.
Easy and undemanding like the parent, the dwarf lady fern wants shade or part shade and humus-rich, moist soil, and settles into a tidy clump rather than sprawling. Perfect for a shaded rock garden, a trough, the edge of a woodland path, or any small, dim spot where a full-sized fern would overwhelm. Deer generally leave the fronds alone.
Plant the dwarf lady fern in drifts for a soft green carpet, or tuck single clumps among hostas, mosses, and small woodland companions. Deciduous, returning fresh each spring, and as forgiving as the larger lady ferns. Cut back tired fronds in late winter.
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