Athyrium filix-femina 'Dre's Dagger'
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VICTORIA LADY FERN, LATTICE LADY
Family : Dryopteridaceae
Pronounced: a-THI-ree-um FIH-liks FEM-mih-nuh
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Ferns.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: A1-A3; 1-9, 14-24.
USDA zones: 4-9.
Heat zones: 9-1.
Mature size:
Height: 18 inches (45 cm).
Width: 18 inches (45 cm).
Leaf attributes:
As with others in the Cruciatum group, the light green fronds are crested. Each pinna branches at the midrib, giving a lot of criss-crosses.
Light:
Partial (morning sun) to full shade .
Soil:
Moist, humus rich, fertile, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Side dress with two to three inches of compost or leaf mold each year in spring.
Propagation Methods:
Divide in spring.
Rainy Side Notes
When I came upon this fern in the Terra Nova Nurseries’ garden, I was reminded why I love ferns. They are prehistoric plants that add handsome foliage dimension to the shade garden, and this fern is no exception to wonderful.
A lady with daggers? Sounds dangerous. This lady fern is named after the way its pinnae criss-cross. A. 'Dre's Dagger' is a dwarf selection of the lady fern A. 'Victoriae', brought to us by Angelo and Carol Randaci. It reaches only 18 inches high as well as wide, making it suitable for smaller gardens. I echo Will Smith’s words in the movie Independence Day, “I gots to get me one of these!”
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed at Terra Nova Nurseries.
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