Fern, athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'

The 2004 Perennial Plant of the year, Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' is a must-have for any shade garden. This variety of Japanese Painted Fern is low-maintenance and is one of the showiest ferns for shade gardens. 'Pictum' produces 12- to 18-inch fronds that are a soft shade of metallic silver-gray with hints of burgundy. This lovely fern, which prefers partial to full shade, makes an outstanding combination plant for adding color, texture, and habit to landscape beds and containers.

Fern, Japanese Painted Growing and Maintenance Tips:

The Japanese Painted Fern requires consistently moist soil, enrich it with leaf mold or compost. It thrives in partial shade to full shade and will not tolerate full sun.