Athyrium goeringianum Pictum

Japanese painted fern

A beautiful ornamental fern prized for its silvery-gray fronds accented with burgundy to reddish midribs and subtle green margins. More refined and delicate than many painted ferns, ‘Pictum’ adds luminous color and texture to shaded gardens and woodland settings.

Key features



Width: 18–24 in (1.5–2 ft)



Height: 12–18 in (1–1.5 ft)



Foliage: Silvery gray with burgundy-red midribs and green edges



Form: Graceful, arching clump



Texture: Fine to medium



Life cycle: Herbaceous perennial fern (deciduous)



Growing conditions



Sun: Part shade to full shade (morning sun enhances color)



Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained; prefers humus-rich soils



Water: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred



Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8



Landscape use



Shade and woodland gardens



Front to mid-border plantings



Mass plantings for foliage contrast



Companion to hostas, astilbes, and heuchera



Containers in shaded locations



Notes



One of the original Japanese painted ferns



Generally deer resistant



Color intensifies in cooler temperatures and light shade



Slower spreading, maintaining a tidy clump



Cut back old fronds in late winter or early spring

Plant type

Fern

Height

12-18''

Width

18-24"

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Part shade to full shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring, Summer

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Container

Shape

Clump, Spreading

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No