Buy japanese painted fern Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Red Beauty': Delivery by Waitrose Garden

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Red Beauty'

japanese painted fern

japanese painted fern

Position: full or partial shade
Soil: moist, fertile, neutral to acid soil
Rate of growth: average
Hardiness: fully hardy

Slowly spreading to form a leafy clump, this decorative fern is ideal for livening up a partially shaded spot with reliably moist (but not waterlogged) soil. Its lacy fronds are initially quite green, but as they mature, they often develop a silvery grey colouring, with a contrasting burgundy-red flush to the stems and midribs. It makes a beautiful addition to a woodland or jungle-themed setting where it can be teamed with other shade-loving perennials including hostas and bergenias.
Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole. In cold areas in late autumn protect the crown of the plant with a dry mulch of straw or bracken.