This ornamental fern is valued for its striking silver foliage, fine texture, and dependable performance in shaded gardens. ‘Pictum’ painted fern adds subtle color and contrast to low-light landscapes, offering long-lasting interest without flowers.

Graceful, arching fronds emerge with silvery gray-green tones accented by darker green margins and burgundy midribs. The layered coloring gives the foliage a softly painted appearance that brightens shade gardens and pairs beautifully with solid green plants. The plant forms a tidy, slowly spreading clump that maintains its structure through the growing season.

Well-suited for home gardens, Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ performs best in part shade to full shade and prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil. It is easy-care when properly sited and works especially well in shaded borders, woodland gardens, and mixed shade plantings focused on foliage contrast.

Why choose Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ – Painted Fern

Decorative foliage: Silver-toned fronds with burgundy accents
Compact habit: Fits easily into shaded garden spaces
Season-long interest: Color holds well throughout summer

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Part shade to full shade
Soil needs: Moist, well-drained soil
Maintenance: Low; remove old fronds in early spring

Designs for your garden

Shade borders: Adds light color and texture
Woodland gardens: Enhances layered plantings
Moist garden beds: Thrives in evenly moist soil
Mixed shade plantings: Complements green foliage and shade perennials

Ecological benefits

Shade garden value: Adds diversity and texture to low-light plantings
Ground coverage: Helps fill space beneath trees and shrubs
Reliable growth: Performs consistently with proper moisture

Native alternatives

Adiantum pedatum – Northern Maidenhair Fern
A native fern with delicate, airy fronds that provides a softer texture and strong ecological value in shaded woodland gardens.

Athyrium filix-femina ‘Lady in Red’ – Lady Fern
A native cultivar featuring elegant green fronds and deep red stems, offering visual interest while supporting native ecosystems.

Asarum canadense – Wild Ginger
A native shade groundcover with dense, heart-shaped foliage that pairs well with ferns and provides excellent soil coverage in woodland settings.

Plant appearance may vary by season and growing conditions. All plants ship healthy with established root systems.