Go Back Fern Japanese Painted

Posted: May 7, 2019 at 3:59 PM
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'
    Deer Resistant IconRock Garden Icon

    Plant Type: Perennials

    One of the most colorful ferns for the garden, the Japanese Painted Fern has silvery-gray fronds which are dusty purple towards the center. They are set off by the purplish-red veins and stems.  This fern 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.

    Currently not available for online purchase.

    Growing & Maintenance Tips:

    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.

    Flower Color

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    Foliage Color

    Silvery-gray with purple centers

    Plant Spread

    24 in.

    Good Companions

    Astilbe-Hybrid (Astilbe ), Brunnera-Heartleaf (Brunnera macrophylla), Columbine (Aquilegia ), Coral Bells (Heuchera ), Hosta (Hosta ), Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis), Ligularia (Ligularia przewalskii), Lily-turf-Blue (Liriope muscari), Lungwort (Pulmonaria ), Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium), Snakeroot-Black (Cimicifuga ramosa), Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

    Plant Height

    12-18 in.

    Scape Height

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    Hardness Zone

    3-8

    Soil Moisture

    Average and consistent water needs

    Characteristics & Attributes

    Attributes

    Cut flower or foliage, Border, Ground cover, Container

    Bloom Time

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    Critter Resistance

    Rabbit resistant

    Exposure

    Full to part shade

    Growth Rate

    Medium

    Seasonal Interests

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