Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. ‘Pictum’): Silvery Fronds with Reddish-Purple Stalks

Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum var. ‘Pictum’) has cool, grey-green, almost silvery foliage and reddish-purple stalks useful for brightening dark spots in borders. Deciduous, reaching only 8–12 inches tall, easy to grow, prolific, easily divided. Forms a tight, hardy groundcover when plants are placed about 1 foot apart. 2004 Perennial Plant of the Year.

Care

• Light: Light to full shade.
• Soil: Well-drained, rich, moist, preferably humid environment.

Propagation & Problems

Divide in spring. Prone to rust.

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