Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Ursula's Red'
painted lady fern
The newly emerging fronds of this beautiful painted lady fern has rich purple-bronze tones, which look like they have been sprinkled with silver dust. This two-tone effect creates a striking foliage contrast for mixed borders or woodland gardens. The purple colour becomes less pronounced as the fronds mature and they become greener with a silver dusting. still take on It also works well when used as low planting in a large pot and placed on a shady terrace. It is easy to grow in reliably moist soil where it will slowly form low-growing clumps.
How to care for Athyrium niponicum var. pictum Ursula's Red:
Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole. In cold areas in late autumn protect the crown of the plant with a dry mulch of straw or bracken.
Eventual height:
0.4m
Eventual spread:
1.2m
Position:
Light shade / shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This fern is deciduous so all its fronds will die back in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again each spring.
