Japanese Painted Fern

Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'
No โ€” Asia (ornamental) Phase 1 ยท Anchors & quick wins Ferns
โ˜€ Light
Shade to part shade
๐Ÿ’ง Water
Moist
๐Ÿ“ Mature size
1โ€“1.5 ft
๐ŸŒธ Bloom / interest
โ€”
๐Ÿƒ Foliage
Deciduous
๐ŸŒŽ Native
No โ€” Asia (ornamental)
๐ŸฆŒ Deer
Resistant
๐Ÿ›’ How many
9โ€“15

Why we want it

Silver-and-burgundy fronds that genuinely light up shade. The color contrast against green ferns and dark hostas is the whole point.

Where it goes in our yard

Woven among hostas and dark foliage where the metallic color pops.

Planting & care

Even moisture for best color; brighter shade intensifies the silver.

What to buy

'Pictum', or 'Ghost' (taller, upright, near-white).

Sourcing

Widely available.

Read more at NC State Extension โ†’