Athyrium niponicum var. pictum
painted lady fern
A striking deciduous fern with a shortly-creeping rhizome and lance-shaped, bipinnate fronds to 30cm, grey, with paler midribs to the pinnae, and a red-purple zone along the centre
Synonyms
Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Metallicum'Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum'
see moreAthyrium iseanum hort. 'Metallicum'
Anthurium nipponicum 'Metallicum'
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'
Athyrium niponicum f. metallicum
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver Purple | |||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Purple | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Woodsiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- E Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in moist, fertile neutral to acid soil enriched with leaf mould or garden compost in a shady, sheltered site. See how to grow ferns for further advice
Propagation
Propagate from spores as soon as ripe or divide in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Rock garden
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required. Cut down fronds as necessary
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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