painted lady fern
Athyrium niponicum var. pictum
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 18 inches tall
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Painted lady fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum) is a fern for shade gardens, borders, containers, and rock gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It grows 12 to 18 inches tall with an arching habit and does not flower. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal. Plant it where its fronds can spill over a border edge.
Pairs well with Blue Angel hosta, Woodland phlox, and Cinnamon fern.
Native range
Africa, Free State, and Lesotho.