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 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Neutral, Acid, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Woodsiaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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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