Athyrium nipponicum – Japanese Painted Fern

General Information: An adorable, lightly-colored, compact, clumping Fern. Silvery white and green fronds emerge from reddish-purple stems in early spring, remaining beautifully colored throughout the growing season. These ferns catch whatever sunlight or moonlight they receive and seemingly reflect it onto their surroundings. An especially valuable plant that is suitable for planting in hard-to-fill shady spots. This plant has some “edimental” value as well. In early spring their Fiddleheads can be consumed much like other Ferns, but they are small compared to other species and require boiling, as they are quite acrid when raw. The silvery feathered foliage of Japanese Painted Ferns is sure to draw the attention and appreciation of all who see them!

Cultivation Details: This plant is Deer resistant. Consider pairing with other shade-loving species. Suitable sites include shade gardens, forest gardens, forest edges, as a companion under evergreens, along shady borders, and in shady foundation plantings. Once established, these plants fare remarkably well and require very little attention aside from occasional weeding. They are fairly resistant against weed pressures and often only require weeding so that their beauty can be enjoyed. These Ferns may be suitable to grow as houseplants, however they are not tolerant of hot and dry conditions. Unless their temperature and watering needs can be accommodated, Japanese Painted Ferns kept as houseplants may need to be brought outside to a cool, shady area during the summer.

Growing Requirements: Plant in full to partial shade. Prefers moist to wet soils. Tolerates drier soils once established. Amend dry soils with organic matter to increase their moisture content. Tolerant of most soil types. Especially tolerant of heavy clay soils. Suitable for acidic to neutral soils. Does not tolerate alkaline soils unless leaf litter or other organic mulch is mixed into the soil before planting.

Fun Facts: These plants are classified by some sources as belonging to the genus Anisocampium.