Light
Part shade to shade. A little morning sun gives the best color.
Growing guide · Perennials
Athyrium niponicum var. pictum
How to grow Japanese Painted Fern 'Pictum'.
Silver, green and burgundy. Brushstrokes included.
- Light
- Part sun, shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Zones
- 4–8
- Size
- 12–18 in. tall, 18–24 in. wide
- Spacing
- 18–24 in. apart.
- Pets
- Not on the ASPCA pet-safe list; keep it out of reach
Water
Keep evenly moist. It handles short dry spells but browns in drought.
Planting and soil
Plant in spring or early fall, crown at the surface, in soil with plenty of organic matter.
Feeding
Compost or leaf mulch in spring.
Pruning
Cut old fronds to the ground in early spring.
Through the year
Fronds up in late April or May. Color holds all summer. Dies back with frost.
If something's off
Late to emerge in spring; don't dig it up by mistake. Crisp fronds mean too much sun or too little water.
Plays well with
Plant it with friends.
Why we stock it: The fern that adds color, not just texture, to shade.
That's everything we know about growing it. Thanks for reading.
Know someone with the right spot? Send them this.
Kits with Japanese Painted Fern 'Pictum'.
All plant kits →
Japanese Painted Fern 'Pictum'from $29.99 · Arrives alive, or we replace it
The Sunday Tip · every SundayThe Sunday Tip · you're on the list
One good plant idea,
every Sunday.
You're in.
See you Sunday.
What to plant this week in your zone, every Sunday. New ways to plant and odd tricks that actually work.
Sunday's tip is written for your zone: what to plant this week, and a kit that fits.Set your zone and Sunday's tip gets specific: what to plant this week, and a kit that fits.
Patio pot kit
Balcony Brag
Forty square feet, big opinions.
4 plants · $165.92In a pot, any zone
See the kit →
Deer-resistant border kit
Deer Can't Even
Everything in it tastes terrible to deer.
12 plants · $392.88Zones 5–8
See the kit →
Office kit
The Desk Set
Three small plants, one desk.
3 plants · $45Indoors, any zone
See the kit →
Drought garden kit
The Hot, Dry Bank
For the slope the hose doesn't reach.
14 plants · $554.86Zones 5–9
See the kit →
Mailbox garden kit
The Mailbox Bed
Curb appeal in one afternoon.
8 plants · $159.92Zones 3–10
See the kit →
Pollinator garden kit
The Pollinator Buffet
Open seating for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
14 plants · $424.86Zones 4–9
See the kit →
Shade garden kit
Shade Layers
For the spot the sun forgot.
8 plants · $151.92Zones 3–9
See the kit →
Edible kit · plant this fall
The Snack Garden
Pick it, eat it, walk away.
4 plants · $199.80Zones 5–10
See the kit →
All plant kits →