Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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| | Common Name: Fern-Japanese Painted |
2004 Perennial Plant of the Year!
One of the most colorful ferns for the garden, the Japanese Painted Fern has silvery-grey 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.
Origin: Not Native to North America
Characteristics:
Height:
12-18 Inches
Spread:
24 Inches
Foliage Color:
Silver/grey shades
Sun or Shade?:
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Full shade (< 4 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Average water needs
Consistent water needs
Need critter resistant plants?:
Rabbit resistant
How fast should it grow?:
Medium
When should it bloom?:
Grown for its attractive foliage
How's your soil?:
Poor Soil
Average Soil
Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Container/Patio
Woodland/Shade
Asian
Rock Garden
Eclectic
Athyrium n. 'Pictum' 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.