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Dre's Dagger Fern

Athyrium filix-femina 'Dre's Dagger'

Nature Hills Nursery
$3439
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Plant Size

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.

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We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6 Week of March 2nd
Zone 7-12 Week of February 23rd


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Under $50 $9.99
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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!

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.

Growing Zones 4-8

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