Athyrium niponicum var pictum  (Japanese Painted Fern, Athyrium goeringianum)

Origin:  Native of Japan
Family:  Dryopteridaceae
Light:  Part-full shade
Height:  1-1.5'
Spacing:  18"
Foliage:  Showy, deciduous, silvery-gray with red stems
Soil:  Well-drained, acidic, neutral, moist, humus-rich, tolerates some drought
Water:  Moderate
Fertilizer:  Time Release during growing season, use half strength of that on label
Uses:  Groundcover, foliage, accent, woodland setting, shade garden, mass plant, hanging basket, container
Propagation:  Spores, rootball divisions
Insects/Disease:  Watch for rust

Comments:  Athyrium niponicum var pictum or Japanese Painted Fern or Athyrium goeringianum is a low growing deciduous foliage perennial with a fast spreading growth habit.  It is of Japanese origin.  Athyrium niponicum pictum has outstanding foliage colors of metallic, gray-green and its inteeresting weeping fronds are about 1.5 feet long.  It has unique red stems.  Japanese Painted Fern is easily propagated from spores or rootball divisions, preferebly the latter for cloning.  It thrives best in well-drained, richly composted moist soil in a part to full shade environment. Athyrium goeringianum loves humidity and is low maintenance.  It is a fast grower and soon forms a nice dense clump and can be divided when overcrowded.  Japanese Painter Fern goes dormant in Winter and reemerges in Spring with a stronger growth.  It gores dormant in Winter and reemerges in Spring with a stronger growth.  For added drama, mass plant in beds or under taller trees as eye-catching groundcovers.  Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' can also be container cultivated for the patio.  Its sparkling pewter-colored leaves really stands out in combination planting with other shade-loving perennials or variegated grasses.  The foliage color of Japanese Painted Fern is more vivid in cooler climates.  It brightens up a dark spot in the shade landscape. This is a versatile fern and is popularly cultivated by many plant hobbyists for its magnificent foliage.  Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' was named it the 2004 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association.

USDA Zones:  4-9

JennysGarden.com...Plants images and gardening descriptions of Athyrium niponicum var pictum  (Japanese Painted Fern, Athyrium goeringianum) growing in Jenny's Garden

Image of the 2004 Perennial Plant of the Year, Athyrium niponicum var pictum or Japanese Painted Fern or Athyrium goeringianum

Plant inquiries:  jen@JennysGarden.com