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Athyrium niponicum Pictum – Painted Fern

Additional information

Size

,

Type

Family

Native?

Zone

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Height Range (ft.)

1.00 to 1.50

Spread (ft.)

1.50 to 2.00

Bloom Time

Bloom Description

Non-Flowering

Sun

,

Water

Flower

Maintenance

Leaf

Colorful

Suggested Use

, , ,

Attracts

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Athyrium niponicum Pictum – Painted Fern

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Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ – Japanese Painted Fern is a shade-loving fern with stunning silver-green fronds and burgundy accents. Perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or containers, it thrives in moist soils and adds elegance and color to low-light areas.

$12.99$16.99

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Additional information

Size

,

Type

Family

Native?

Zone

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Height Range (ft.)

1.00 to 1.50

Spread (ft.)

1.50 to 2.00

Bloom Time

Bloom Description

Non-Flowering

Sun

,

Water

Flower

Maintenance

Leaf

Colorful

Suggested Use

, , ,

Attracts

Product Description

Bring a splash of unique color and texture to your shaded garden with Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’, commonly known as Japanese Painted Fern. This striking deciduous fern is renowned for its finely textured fronds, featuring a beautiful blend of silver, green, and burgundy hues that shimmer in low light. With its graceful, arching growth habit and compact size, Japanese Painted Fern is perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or container plantings. Thriving in moist, well-drained soils, this low-maintenance fern adds an elegant and artistic touch to your landscape.

Why Choose Japanese Painted Fern?

  • Gorgeous Foliage: Silver-green fronds with burgundy midribs create an eye-catching and artistic display.
  • Compact and Graceful: Low-growing, arching habit fits beautifully in smaller spaces or as part of layered plantings.
  • Shade-Loving: Thrives in partial to full shade, brightening dim corners of the garden.
  • Low Maintenance: Adapts to various soil types and requires minimal care once established.

Cultivation Tips

  • Sunlight Needs: Prefers partial to full shade; avoid direct sunlight to prevent foliage from scorching.
  • Soil Preferences: Thrives in moist, well-drained soils enriched with organic matter; tolerates slightly acidic conditions.
  • Watering Requirements: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Spacing: Plant 12-18 inches apart to allow for its spreading, layered growth.

Design Ideas for Your Garden

Japanese Painted Fern is perfect for adding color and texture to shaded borders, woodland gardens, or containers. Pair it with other shade-loving plants like Hostas, Coral Bells, or Foamflowers for a dynamic, layered display. Its colorful fronds create a striking contrast with broader-leafed plants or darker foliage. Use it as an elegant groundcover, a soft accent along shaded pathways, or a stunning addition to rock gardens with filtered light.

Ecological Benefits

Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ contributes to shaded garden ecosystems by stabilizing soil and retaining moisture in understory areas. Its dense foliage helps suppress weeds and enriches the soil as fronds decompose, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for low-light landscapes.

Enhance your garden with the colorful beauty and graceful form of Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ – Japanese Painted Fern. This versatile and low-maintenance fern adds a touch of artistry and sophistication to any shaded space.

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Athyrium niponicum Pictum – Painted Fern

$12.99$16.99
Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best growing conditions for Painted Fern?

Painted Fern thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-draining, rich soil. It does especially well in woodland gardens or shady borders where the soil stays cool and evenly moist. Avoid planting in areas that dry out frequently or receive intense afternoon sun.

What makes Painted Fern special?

Painted Fern is prized for its unusual silver-gray fronds with shades of burgundy and green, giving it a “painted” look. The contrasting color and lacy texture make it a standout accent plant for shade gardens, containers, and underplantings.

How large does Painted Fern grow?

Painted Fern typically grows 12–18 inches tall and 18–24 inches wide. It forms soft, low clumps that work well in borders, shaded paths, or mixed with other woodland perennials like Heuchera and Tiarella.

Is Painted Fern deer-resistant?

Yes, Painted Fern is deer-resistant. Its textured, slightly bitter foliage is unappealing to deer and rabbits, making it a dependable choice for low-light gardens in areas with browsing pressure.

How should I care for Painted Fern?

Painted Fern is low-maintenance. Water regularly during dry spells and cut back old fronds in early spring to allow new growth to emerge cleanly. It may go dormant in hot, dry summers but typically bounces back with cool, moist conditions.

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