Athyrium nipponicum ‘Pictum’
Blooming Time
Exposure
Even the most demanding gardener will appreciate the uniqueness of this colorful Asian exotic. Once you see how lovely the bluish gray and maroon flushed fronds appear when elevated upon deep wine colored petioles, you will find a home for this fern in every landscape. 2004 Perennial Plant of the Year.
Details
Hardiness Zone:
Blossom Color:
Growth Habit:
Slow Spreading
Max Height:
1½'
Texture:
Recommended Spacing:
We sell this plant in these containers:
Special Characteristics
Features
Exotic bluish-gray maroon-flushed leaves atop deep wine-red leaf stalks.
Landscape Value
Specimen, companion, accent, or massed as a ground cover.
Care
Watering:
Japanese Painted Fern is moderately drought tolerant but benefits from occasional watering, to maintain soil in a moist but not wet condition, during the summer months.
Fertilizing:
Japanese Painted Fern needs little fertilizer, but benefits from a single springtime or fall topdressing (about 1 inch deep) of organic compost or well rotted leaves. Alternatively, a springtime application of a slow release fertilizer with a 3-1-2 ratio (such as a 15-5-10) can be applied at a rate of about 10 pounds per 1000 square feet.
Pruning:
Japanese Painted Fern is a deciduous plant (nonevergreen) and does not require pruning. It is perfectly acceptable to allow the dropped leaves to decompose and nourish the soil.