Dre's Dagger Fern

Athyrium filix-femina 'Dre's Dagger'

Nature Hills Nursery

Striking Zigzag Fronds with Architectural Dark Green Foliage Set Dre's Dagger Apart from Standard Lady Ferns
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 1-2 ft Tall, 1 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Native Perennial

$34³⁹

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide full shade or partial shade, ideally with no more than 2 to 4 hours of soft morning sun. Excessive direct light will scorch the intricate, crested fronds and cause the deep green color to fade to a sickly yellow.
Soil: This fern thrives in rich, acidic soil that is high in organic matter and well-draining. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in leaf mold or compost to improve aeration and prevent the roots from sitting in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your fern twice a week to ensure the soil remains consistently moist while the roots establish. Mature plants are quite resilient, but inconsistent watering during a dry spell will cause the unique dagger-shaped tips to turn brown and brittle. Think of regular watering as a way to maintain the structural integrity and lush texture of the foliage.

Pruning Tips

Since this variety is evergreen, you should wait until late winter or early spring to prune the previous year’s growth. Use sharp shears to cut back tattered or flattened fronds just as the new fiddleheads begin to emerge from the crown. This timing ensures you do not damage the new growth while allowing the plant to direct all its energy into the fresh spring display.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in the early spring to support the initial flush of growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer because they stimulate soft, tender growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. A simple top-dressing of organic compost each year is often enough to mimic the nutrient-rich floor of a natural woodland.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Wet Soils, Groundcover, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Spreading
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Fern
Botanical Name	Athyrium filix-femina 'Dre's Dagger'
Species	filix-femina
Cultivar	Dre
Class	Polypodiopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Dre's Dagger Fern – Unique Textured Beauty For Shade!

Add a touch of drama and texture to your shade garden with Dre's Dagger Fern (Athyrium filix-femina 'Dre's Dagger'), an elegant, semi-evergreen fern with crisp, dark green fronds and a distinctive, zigzag growth pattern. The effect of the closely held foliage is architectural and almost skeletal.

Known for its arching, sword-like foliage, this hybrid Fern stands out with its deeply divided pinnae that creates a striking appearance. It thrives in partial to full shade, making it a perfect addition to woodland gardens, shaded borders, and container plantings.

Key Features

Foliage: Dark green, sword-like fronds with a zigzag pattern
Mature Height: 12-18 inches
Light Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained soil
Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 4–8
Semi-evergreen: Retains some foliage through mild winters
Low Maintenance: Minimal care is required once established

Landscaping With Dre's Dagger Fern

Dre's Dagger Fern is perfect for adding structure and texture to shade gardens. Its upright, arching fronds bring a sculptural quality that pairs beautifully with broad-leaved plants like Hostas, Bergenia, or large-flowered Hellebores.

Use it to create contrasting textures in shady borders, or plant it in clusters for a lush, layered effect in woodland settings. In containers, it serves as a bold focal point that thrives in low-light conditions.

Woodland and shade gardens
Shady borders and foundation plantings
Accent plant in shaded container gardens
Moist, well-drained areas near trees or ponds
Specimens and unique thrillers!

Fern Care & Maintenance

Dre's Dagger Fern is easy to care for, thriving with just a few simple guidelines. Ferns are unique plants with a curious lifecycle and are a great choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance perennial plant.

Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; avoid overly dry or soggy conditions
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells
Light: Grows best in partial to full shade
Fertilizer: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed
Pruning: Remove old or damaged fronds in early spring to make room for new growth
Spacing: Allow about 2 feet of space between plants for full development

Oh-So Unique Dre's Dagger Fern!

The curious Dre's Dagger Fern is a standout choice for shade gardens, bringing bold texture and unique form to the landscape. Its zigzag fronds and low-maintenance nature make it a gardener's favorite for adding a touch of the unexpected to shaded areas. This Fern will reward you with beauty and year-round interest. Order today at Nature Hills Nursery!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Dre's Dagger Fern unique?

Its zigzag-patterned fronds and sword-like shape give it a distinct architectural look that sets it apart from other ferns.

Is Dre's Dagger Fern evergreen?

It is semi-evergreen, retaining some foliage through winter in mild climates.

How tall does it grow?

Dre's Dagger Fern typically grows 12-18 inches tall, with an equal spread.

What type of soil does it need?

It prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil, similar to its natural woodland habitat.

Can it grow in containers?

Yes, Dre's Dagger Fern is well-suited for containers, especially in shaded patios or courtyards.

Is it deer-resistant?

Yes, Sensitive Fern is deer-resistant, though heavy browsing may occasionally occur.