Athyrium nipponicum Pictum

Athyrium nipponicum Pictum

Japanese Painted Fern.

Athyrium niponicum pictum, is a beautiful fern with wine-red leaf stalks and silvery metallic grey-blue finely cut fronds.

Athyrium niponicum pictum, is an elegant, deciduous fern with deeply cut, grey-green fronds. It’s perfect for growing in a woodland border or beneath the shade of a tree, and works well when grown alongside other woodland plants.

Max Height 20cm to 30cm. Max Spread 80cm . Shaded site. Hardy.

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Athyrium nipponicum Pictum, commonly known as the Japanese painted fern or simply as Pictum, is a species of fern native to Japan, Korea, and China. It is a popular ornamental plant, prized for its attractive foliage and easy-to-grow nature.

The fronds of Athyrium nipponicum Pictum are a soft, delicate shade of green, with a distinct silver-grey overlay that gives them a unique and eye-catching appearance. The fronds are also deeply lobed, giving them a feather-like appearance. This fern typically grows to a height of around 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) and a spread of 45-60 cm (18-24 inches). It prefers a shaded or partially shaded position, and well-draining, moist soil.

One of the reasons why Athyrium nipponicum Pictum is so popular with gardeners is because it is incredibly easy to grow. It is a tough and hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including cold temperatures, drought, and poor soil. It is also resistant to many pests and diseases that can afflict other plants.

In terms of care, Athyrium nipponicum Pictum requires very little attention. It should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry periods, to keep the soil moist. It can also benefit from a light application of fertilizer in the spring. The plant may die back during the winter, but it will regrow in the spring.

Athyrium nipponicum Pictum can be used in a variety of garden settings. It is particularly well-suited to woodland gardens, where its delicate fronds can be used to create a naturalistic feel. It is also a great choice for mixed borders, where it can provide a striking contrast to other plants. It can be planted in groups or as a single specimen plant, depending on the effect that you want to achieve.

One of the things that makes Athyrium nipponicum Pictum so interesting is its history. It was first discovered in Japan in the late 19th century by the English plant collector Robert Fortune, who was traveling in the region at the time. He was struck by the plant’s beauty and brought it back to England, where it quickly became popular with gardeners.

In the decades that followed, Athyrium nipponicum Pictum became a favorite of many notable gardeners, including Gertrude Jekyll and Vita Sackville-West. It also became a popular plant in North America, where it was introduced in the early 20th century.

Today, Athyrium nipponicum Pictum is widely available in nurseries and garden centers around the world. It is a popular plant with both amateur and professional gardeners, and it is used in a variety of garden settings. It is also a favorite of florists, who often use its delicate fronds in floral arrangements.

In conclusion, Athyrium nipponicum Pictum is a beautiful and versatile fern that is well-suited to a variety of garden settings. Its delicate fronds and unique coloring make it a popular choice with gardeners around the world, and its easy-to-grow nature makes it a great plant for beginners. Whether used as a specimen plant or as part of a mixed border, Athyrium nipponicum Pictum is sure to add beauty and interest to any garden.