Japanese Painted Fern was the Perennial Plant Association's Perennial Plant of the Year in 2004 and is certainly deserving of the recognition.

This perennial fern is a graceful, showy accent plant for the shade garden. Its twelve to eighteen inch fronds appear delicately stenciled with soft shades of metallic gray and burgundy, making it an elegant addition to any mixed border. It does best in full to part shade, in moist soil heavily amended with compost. Given just a little annual care, its sheen will liven a dark spot all season long. It is hardy to zone 3, which makes it a great plant for nearly every type of garden.