Easily grown in humusy, organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Best sited in sheltered locations. Best silvery frond color occurs in light shade. Soil must not be allowed to dry out. Naturalizes well by short, branching rhizomes and can form colonies in optimum growing conditions.
Athyrium niponicum var. pictum, commonly known as Japanese painted fern, is a deciduous fern with an arching habit that typically grows to 18” tall. It features a slowly spreading clump of triangular, variegated fronds to 20” long. Fronds are a soft grayish-green with an overlay of silvery hues accented by contrasting dark maroon midribs. Silvering is best for several weeks in the spring, with fronds becoming greener as hot temperatures arrive. ‘Silver Falls’ is a patented cultivar that primarily differs from var. pictum by having (1) more silver in the fronds and (2) longer period (up to two months) of good silver color. U.S. Plant Patent PP12,803 issued July 23, 2002.
No serious insect or disease problems.
Woodland gardens, shade gardens or shaded border fronts. Also effective in shaded areas along streams or ponds.
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Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110(314) 577-5100 hours and admission
Butterfly House
Faust Park, 15193 Olive Blvd. Chesterfield, MO 63017(636) 530-0076 hours and admission
Shaw Nature Reserve
Hwy. 100 & I-44 Gray Summit, MO 63039(636) 451-3512 hours and admission