Japanese Painted Fern 'Silver Falls' (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Silver Falls')

Overview

'Silver Falls' is a cultivar of Japanese Painted Fern with intensely silver fronds that seem to cascade like a waterfall. The contrast with burgundy midribs is striking.

Taxonomy

Description

Fronds are triangular, bipinnate, 30–45 cm long, with a brilliant metallic silver overlay and deep burgundy stems and midribs. The silver color is more intense than the species.

Habitat and Cultivation

Same as species: moist, rich soil in shade. Hardy zones 4–9. The silver color is best in light shade; too much sun can bleach it. Divide in spring.