Japanese Painted Fern

Related to the lady fern, Athyrium niponicum var. pictum, Synonymous with Athyrium niponicum var. Pictum Metallicum is a small to medium-sized, deciduous fern which forms an elegant rosette of delicate leaves in subtle shades of pink and grey-green with a plum coloured mid-rib. Hardy, and much tougher than it looks, it will thrive in moist shade, and slowly spread to form colonies where it’s suited. Looks stunning with plum-coloured oriental hellebores, and good in containers in a shaded patio. The Japanese painted fern dies back with the first frosts; leave the foliage on to protect the crown in colder areas. Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soils: Moist, humus-rich, acid to neutral soils
Position: Part-shade or deep shade
Season of interest: Spring, summer, autumn
Hardiness: Hardy
Height to 18” (45cm) Spread to 18” (45cm)