Japanese Painted Fern

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Partial Sun

(3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1 Foot

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 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.