Product Description
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'
Common name: JAPANESE PAINTED FERN
Tri-colored, 12-to-18-inch fronds emerge silvery-gray, almost appearing metallic. Silvery hue is accented by contrasting dark maroon midribs. Spectacular mature blades are triangular with zones of burgundy, gray and dark green. New fronds emerge throughout the growing season adding to the contrast of colors. Dense clumps are beautiful, adaptable, and a low-maintenance perennial.
This has a low and mounding habit, slowly spreading by rhizomes to form dense colonies. The fronds are positioned in a way that creates a horizontal layering effect much like you see in Dogwood trees. To protect the crowns and tender shoots in the spring, it is best to leave the old fronds on the plant over the winter. They can be removed in the spring when the new fronds reach 6 inches tall. If division is necessary, do so in the spring.
This hardy deciduous is easy to grow in organically rich, medium to wet, well-drained soils, with a neutral to moderately acidic pH. If the frond edges become scorched or crispy, the soil may be too dry. Add 2 to 3 inches of compost or peat moss to the beds each spring or fall. Best frond color occurs in light shade. Use in containers, as a ground cover or for borders in woodland areas, Asian and rock gardens, or any shady location. Foliage is a splendid filler for flowers arrangements.
Hardy nearly everywhere in the United States, except in the desert and northernmost areas in zone 3. One of the most colorful ferns for the garden, the Japanese Painted has silvery-grey fronds which are dusty purple towards the center. They are set off by the purplish-red veins and stems. Light to partial shade is best; some sunlight is required to produce the most vibrant color.
Athyrium n. 'Pictum' grows best in moist soil with a neutral to moderately acidic pH. Light to partial shade is best; some sunlight is necessary to produce the vibrant coloring. To protect the crowns and tender shoots in the spring, it is best to leave the old fronds on the plant over the winter. They can be removed in the spring when the new fronds reach 6 inches tall. If division is necessary, do so in the spring.
Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year -- 2004
MNLA Grower's Choice Award -- 2002
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 1993
Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluation Top Performer -- 2015
Height: 12.0-18.0 Inches
Spread: 24.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Foliage Color: Silver/grey shades
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Attractive Foliage
In 2004, Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' was awarded the prestigious Perennial Plant of the Year award for its captivating beauty and resilience. This deciduous fern, commonly known as the Japanese painted fern, is a true standout among its kind. Its remarkable fronds display an exquisite blend of silvery-gray, green, and burgundy hues, creating an almost iridescent effect. Native to the enchanting woodlands of East Asia, this fern thrives in shady, moist environments, bringing a touch of magic to any garden. Whether gracing a woodland garden, adding a splash of color to a shaded border, or elegantly adorning a container, the Japanese painted fern is a testament to nature's artistry.
Appearance Imagine delicate, triangular fronds, each resembling a painter's palette, adorned with a mesmerizing fusion of colors. The Japanese painted fern typically reaches a height of 12-18 inches and spreads about 18-24 inches wide. Its fronds unfurl with a silvery-gray sheen, almost metallic in appearance, accented by deep maroon midribs that trace the delicate veins. This captivating variegation is most pronounced in the cool embrace of spring, with the fronds gradually transitioning to a deeper green as summer's warmth intensifies. The fronds are uniquely positioned to create a captivating horizontal layering effect, reminiscent of the graceful branches of a dogwood tree, adding depth and texture to the garden.
Adding to the visual diversity of this species, the 'Godzilla' variety emerges as a giant among painted ferns. Discovered at Plant Delights Nursery, this impressive fern forms a massive, arching clump of silvery fronds with green highlights and dark purple stems.
This fern has also been recognized for its exceptional qualities with the MNLA Grower's Choice Award in 2002 and the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Growing Conditions Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' thrives in the embrace of moist, well-drained soil with a neutral to moderately acidic pH, ideally ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.While it flourishes in light to partial shade, allowing some sunlight to kiss its fronds enhances their vibrant colors., be mindful of excessive direct sunlight, especially during the scorching afternoon hours, as it can scorch the delicate foliage.
Interestingly, Athyrium ferns demonstrate a remarkable adaptability to different light conditions. While they generally prefer shade, they can tolerate direct sunlight if the soil is kept consistently moist.
| Light | Water | Soil | pH | Hardiness Zones |
| Part shade to full shade | Consistently moist | Humusy, organically rich, well-drained | 5.5-6.5 | 3-8 |
Care Once established, the Japanese painted fern is a relatively low-maintenance companion in the garden. Here is a guide to keep your fern flourishing:
- Watering: Maintain consistent moisture in the soil, especially during the active growing season. Water thoroughly when the soil begins to dry, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizing: Japanese painted ferns are light feeders. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in spring, or a topdressing of compost or peat moss will provide sufficient nutrients.
- Pruning: In early spring, gently remove any old or damaged fronds to make way for the emergence of fresh growth.
- Division: To maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding, divide the clumps every 2 to 3 years in spring.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this fern exhibits a degree of drought tolerance, making it a resilient choice for gardens with occasional dry periods.
Habitat In its native realm, Athyrium niponicum var. pictum graces the tranquil, shady woodlands of East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It thrives in moist, humus-rich soil, where dappled sunlight filters through the canopy, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Uses The Japanese painted fern is a versatile addition to any garden, offering a myriad of design possibilities:
- Woodland Gardens: It thrives in woodland settings, adding texture and color to the understory of trees.
- Shade Gardens: Its unique coloration brightens up shady areas and contrasts beautifully with other shade-loving plants like hostas, coral bells, and bleeding hearts.
- Borders and Edges: It can be used to define borders, soften edges, or add visual interest to pathways.
- Containers: Its compact size makes it suitable for container gardening, adding a touch of elegance to patios and decks.
- Cut Foliage: The fronds can be used in floral arrangements, adding texture and a unique color element.
The Japanese painted fern's versatility extends to its compatibility with a wide range of companion plants. It harmonizes beautifully with coral bells (Heuchera), lungwort (Pulmonaria), hostas (Hosta), ligularia (Ligularia), and bleeding hearts (Dicentra). It also creates stunning combinations with other shade-loving perennials such as Hosta 'Patriot' and 'Ginko Craig', Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans', Tiarella (foam flower), Carex morrowii 'Variegata', Carex siderosticha 'Silver Sceptre', Brunnera macrophylla 'Langtrees', 'Silver Wings', or 'Jack Frost', Lamium maculatum 'Orchid Frost' and 'Purple Dragon', Astilbe 'Snowdrift', Astilbe simplicifolia 'Sprite', and Dicentra 'King of Hearts'.
Propagation Japanese painted ferns can be propagated through two primary methods:
- Division: Divide mature plants in spring, ensuring each division has a healthy portion of roots and fronds.
- Spores: Collect spores from the undersides of the fronds and sow them on a moist, sterile medium.
Potential Benefits Beyond its ornamental value, the Japanese painted fern offers several potential benefits:
- Erosion Control: Its spreading rhizomes help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides cover for small creatures and insects, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: It is generally unpalatable to deer and rabbits, making it a suitable choice for gardens frequented by these animals.
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum', the Japanese painted fern, is a captivating plant that enchants with its unique beauty and adaptability. Its fronds, adorned with a mesmerizing blend of silvery-gray, green, and burgundy hues, create a striking focal point in any shade garden. This fern's versatility shines through its suitability for various garden styles, from woodland settings to container plantings. Its resilience, low-maintenance nature, and ability to provide habitat for beneficial insects make it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious gardeners. With proper care, this fern will thrive and bring years of enjoyment, adding a touch of magic to your outdoor sanctuary.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
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healthy strong little plants
These are obviously well-cared-for plants. Properly packaged. Healthy specimens with proper coloring. They have been in most of the summer here (their toughest part of the year on a well-well-drained shoulder) and are doing just fine. I am back ordering some other fern varieties for this fall and happened to remember this order.... good stuff... and I don't review much, if ever. I like this place.
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quality stuff
This was a well-packaged, healthy flat of 20 small Athyrium Pictum ferns. They were about 4" across with a healthy crown and root system. I expect the plants to do very well in their new home.
