Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Ursula's Red'
painted lady fern
This fern is deciduous so all its fronds will die back in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again each spring.
- Position: full or partial shade
- Soil: moist, fertile, neutral to acid soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Hardiness: fully hardy
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. - Garden care: 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.