- Partial Shade to Partial Sun (3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 12 - 18 Inches
- Mature Spread 12 - 18 Inches
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
Japanese Painted Fern, or Athyrium nipponicum var. Pictum, is a deciduous, woodland perennial, known for its array of tuft-shaped, shimmering, silvery-purple fronds with striking, reddish midribs. True to its name, this classic fern appears to have been carefully painted with shades of green, red, and silver. One of the most popular cultivated ferns, the Japanese Painted Fern grows from 12 to 18 inches tall at maturity, with a weeping spread of 18 to 24 inches.
Perennial Plant Association plant of the Year in 2004, and winner of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, the Japanese Painted Fern has an arching, clump-forming habit. It is slow-growing, taking its time to stretch its triangular, variegated fronds. Deer will avoid this beautiful fern, but it is not rabbit resistant. Use the Japanese Painted Fern to spruce up a shady corner or alcove.
Japanese Painted Fern Care
Japanese Painted Fern prefers moist soil with heavy organic matter, but can tolerate poorer soils as well. The soil should be well-drained to avoid root rot and various fungus and diseases. It grows best in full to partial shade but can tolerate more sunlight if the climate is cooler and the sun won’t burn its delicate fronds. To propagate your Japanese Painted fern, divide in early spring. Your fern will not require much pruning, but you can trim away broken and dead fronds without concern.
Japanese Painted Fern Spacing
Japanese Painted Fern is a unique, eye-catching option for any woodland landscape. They are ideal for containers and can thrive in a variety of pots. When planting, space your Japanese Painted Ferns approximately 12 inches apart from center to center. These unique and stunning ferns pair well with Tiarella, Heuchera and Hostas.
Japanese Painted Fern Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
Plant Type: Perennials |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Partial Sun (3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 12 - 18 Inches |
Mature Spread: 18 - 24 Inches |
Spacing: 18 - 24 Inches |
Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Silver-Purple |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: N/A |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Groundcovers, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Foliage Interest, Award Winner |
Brand: |
Common Name: Japanese Painted Fern |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: ATHYRIUM NIPPONICUM `PICTUM` |
- SKU:
- 1231001012-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.