Types of Red Ferns

Red ferns add a dramatic touch to landscaping.

Ferns have been a staple of earth's foliage since prehistoric times. These flowerless and seedless plants come in thousands of species, adding essential ground cover to natural forests. Though no fern grows in a pure, brilliant red, a handful of varieties feature accents from the warm color scale.

Japanese Painted Fern

Athyrium niponicum, commonly known as the Japanese painted fern, is one of the most popular colored fern varieties. Purple stems running through light, silvery-gray fronds give this plant the appearance of a reddish hue. Because of this coloration, some gardeners refer to this variety of fern as the "Regal Red." The Japanese painted fern develops particularly striking color in cool maritime climates, where it grows up to a foot tall in well-drained soil.

Autumn Ferns

Autumn ferns lend lawns a feeling of perpetual fall.

Ferns of the Dryopteris genus are dubbed "autumn ferns" due to their yellow, orange, brown and light red fronds. Plants such as the Dyopteris erythrosora and Dryopteris lepidopoda sport copper or pink fronds, which are especially prominent in their youth. As they age, autumn ferns develop predominantly pale green or yellow fronds with a shiny texture and warm-hued highlights. These hardy plants grow in clumps and prefer shady areas with mild winters.

Lady in Red

Though the lady in red fern (Athyrium filix-femina) features light green fronds, it derives its name from its strikingly red stems. As this plant grows upward on stalks, the deep red and light green colors create a bold contrast. Lady in red ferns often find a home in fresh arrangements due to their red accents. This low-maintenance plant thrives in a wide variety of soil types and prefers moist soil with partial shade.

Blechnum

Some ferns of the Blechnum genus feature subtle red coloration. The Blechnum novae-zelandiae, also known as the Kiokio fern, sprouts red, orange or pinkish-red fronds when young. This native New Zealand plant is quite rare, however. Alpine water ferns, or little hard ferns (Blechnum penna-marina) have a deep copper coloration when young. This copper hue accents mature green fronds. Drooping Blechnum ferns reach heights up to 4 feet. They flourish in subtropical climates with moderate temperatures.

References

• American Fern Society: A Brief Introduction to Ferns
• Hardy Fern Foundation: Choosing the Right Fern for Your Site
• American Beauties: Athyrium Filix-Femina "Lady in Red"
• Botany.com: Blechnum

Resources

• The American Fern Society