A Grower Perspective

Japanese Painted Fern adds a delicate form and silver filigreed brightness to moist shady woodland areas. Soft green outlined by deep red pink in the stems and touched by a silvery white are the hues of this very hardy fern. The fronds vanish in the winter and then reappear as maroon fiddleheads in February. They grow ten to eighteen inches tall and wide. Although very hardy they can be overwhelmed by rougher plants, so give them a bit of space of their own. Plant with hosta, astilbe, heuchera, carex and Japanese maples. This fern gets better with age. Avoid direct harsh afternoon sun as it is too hot for the delicate fronds. The painted fern is also great in a container.