eared lady fern
Athyrium otophorum
Overview
The eared lady fern (Athyrium otophorum) is an amazing plant species. It is native to North America and grows in shady wet areas, though it tolerates some sun. Its fronds are widely lanced, giving it a delicate yet intriguing structure. The shape of the leaflets around the edges of each frond gives the fern a unique "eared" appearance, which is how it got its name. It is a drought-tolerant fern and it does not mind being tied back to keep it neat. Plus, it's easy to propagate, creating more of this lovely fern for your garden. The eared lady fern is an eye-catching addition to any garden!
Care Guide
Watering
Eared Lady Fern should be watered regularly, but not too frequently. Aim for keeping the potting mix lightly moist at all times. Water moderately once every 7 to 10 days or when the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil is dry. During the hot summer months, water more often if the soil starts to dry out. Avoid overwatering the fern as too much water can cause the rhizomes to rot.
Light
Eared Lady Ferns (Athyrium otophorum) do best in partial sun to partial shade, with indirect or filtered sunlight being ideal. In more temperate climates, they can tolerate dappled sunlight or 4 to 6 hours of direct sun a day. In warm climates, they should be protected from direct sun and should only get 2 to 4 hours of morning light a day. In all climates where the Eared Lady Fern grows, shade is preferable in the afternoon. Avoid planting Eared Lady Ferns in locations that get afternoon sun, as direct sun exposure in this time of day can cause the fronds to scorch.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 5-9.
Pruning
The eared lady fern does not require regular pruning to maintain its health and beauty. These ferns should be pruned judiciously to maintain their desired shape, remove dead or diseased fronds, and control their size. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new fronds appear. Using sharp, sterile pruning shears, remove brown and dead fronds at the base of the plant. Trim off any excessively long fronds to keep the plant from becoming leggy or overgrown. Do not prune more than 1-third of the fern. Discard all cut fronds and foliage in the trash; never leave the cuttings on the ground. When pruning, be sure to wear gloves and exercise caution to avoid cuts and injury. Also, take care to avoid damaging any new fronds, which are soft and delicate. Eared lady ferns also benefit from occasional division when the fern becomes overgrown. It is best to divide ferns in late winter or early spring, just after pruning.
Propagation
Division, Cutting, Spore Propagation, Layering Propagation
Related plants
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