Product Description
Athyrium niponicum var. 'Pictum' (3.5-inch pot)
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 grows best in moist soil with a neutral to moderately acidic pH. Partial to full shade is best. 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
Athyrium niponicum var. 'Pictum', commonly called the Japanese Painted Fern, is a beloved fern prized for its stunningly colorful fronds. Here is a closer look at this unique and beautiful plant:
Appearance:
- Fronds: The Japanese Painted Fern displays a captivating blend of colors on its fronds. The base color is a soft, silvery-gray-green, and this is overlaid with contrasting dark maroon midribs and veins. The overall effect is a mesmerizing tapestry of colors that gives the impression of a watercolor painting.
- Growth Habit: This fern typically grows in a vase-shaped clump, reaching about 12-18 inches tall and wide. The fronds are triangular and have a delicate, lacy texture.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: The Japanese Painted Fern thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers a location with dappled sunlight or shade for most of the day. While some sun can enhance the color of the fronds, too much direct sunlight can scorch them.
- Soil: This fern prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate some dryness once established, but it is best to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during its first year.
- Hardiness: It is generally hardy in USDA Zones 3-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Special Features:
- Unique Colors: The striking coloration of the Japanese Painted Fern is its most distinctive feature. The blend of silver, gray-green, and maroon creates a beautiful contrast that adds visual interest to the shade garden.
- Adaptable: This fern is relatively adaptable and can tolerate a wider range of soil conditions than some other ferns.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, the Japanese Painted Fern is a relatively low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care.
- Deer Resistant: Ferns are generally not a favorite of deer, making the Japanese Painted Fern a good choice for gardens where deer are a problem.
Uses in the Garden:
- Woodland Gardens: The Japanese Painted Fern is a natural choice for woodland gardens, where it can thrive in the dappled shade and moist soil.
- Shade Gardens: It can be used to add texture and interest to any shaded garden, whether it is a formal border or a naturalistic setting.
- Water Gardens: The Japanese Painted Fern can also be grown near ponds or streams, where it can tolerate the moist soil conditions.
- Containers: Its relatively compact size makes it suitable for container gardening, allowing you to enjoy its beauty on patios or balconies.
- Focal Point: The unique colors of the Japanese Painted Fern make it an excellent focal point in the shade garden.
Tips for Growing Athyrium niponicum var. 'Pictum':
- Planting: Plant in spring or fall in a shaded location with moist, well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its fertility and drainage.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year. Once established, it can tolerate some dryness, but it is best to water it regularly during dry spells.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring as new growth begins.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every few years in spring or fall to rejuvenate plants and maintain their vigor.
Overall, Athyrium niponicum var. 'Pictum', the Japanese Painted Fern, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow fern that will add a touch of unique color and texture to your shade garden. Its striking fronds, adaptability, and low maintenance requirements make it a valuable addition to any landscape.
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!
