Dre's Dagger Fern
Athyrium filix-femina 'Dre's Dagger'
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 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 Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Plant Profile & Growing Essentials
Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Wet Soils, Groundcover, Container Friendly, and Non-invasive
Specifications
Specifications
-
Botanical Name
-
Height
-
Width
-
Growing Zones
-
Growth RateModerate
-
Leaf Color
-
NativeYes
-
Bloom PeriodLate Spring
-
Does Not Ship ToAK, HI, ID, MT
Planting & Care Instructions
Planting & Care Instructions
Growing Zones 4-8
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.
>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions
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!
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.
