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FernsHerbaceous Perennial

Athyrium niponicum

painted fern

A small, deciduous fern with pale green and grey, narrowly ovate fronds and bipinate (twice divided) leaflets helping to give a soft graceful apearance. The stems are often dark red or red-brown in colour. There are many cultivars of this species grown for their colourful foliage

Synonyms
Athyrium goeringianum hort.
Asplenium nipponicum
see moreAthyrium iseanum hort.
Anisocampium niponicum
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Clay
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Brown Green Grey Silver
Summer Red Brown Green Grey Silver
Autumn Red Brown Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Woodsiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Athyrium are deciduous ferns with erect or creeping rhizomes bearing usually pinnate to tripinnate fronds, often of thin texture, and they are especially shade-tolerant

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Himalaya to E. Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

For best results grow in a moist but free draining soil in partial shade. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or spores

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Remove faded foliage in late autumn or leave until spring before new growth emerges

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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