Athyrium niponicum pictum 'Jap Painted'

Japanese Painted Fern

A classic ornamental fern celebrated for its silvery-gray fronds highlighted by burgundy to wine-red midribs and soft green margins. ‘Pictum’ brings luminous color and fine texture to shaded gardens and is a cornerstone plant for woodland and shade compositions.

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 coloration)



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 most popular painted ferns for color and reliability



Generally deer resistant



Best color develops in cool temperatures and light shade



Slow-spreading, tidy clump habit



Cut back old fronds in late winter or early spring

Plant type

Fern

Height

12-18"

Width

18-24"

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Part shade to full shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Leaf color

Green, Silver, White

Fall color

Green

Soil

Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Mass Planting, Rock Garden

Shape

Clump

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No