It’s a favorite for adding texture and color to shade gardens. The japanese painted fern (athyrium niponicum) is a stunning deciduous fern celebrated for its uniquely colored fronds, which display a captivating blend of silvery-grey, green, and burgundy-wine hues, often with reddish-purple stems. In this article, gardening expert melissa strauss discusses how to grow and care for these wonderful woodland plants. Selected as the 2004 perennial plant of the year. These attractive perennials are perfect for woodland gardens, alongside ponds and streams, along pathways, or within shaded patio gardens. · with a graceful arching growth habit and a lovely spreading form, japanese painted fern plants lend a softness to the landscape and temper large-leaved shade perennials like hostas. Learn how to grow and care for japanese painted ferns, a popular and distinctive fern with colorful and patterned fronds. The short stature and spreading form is excellent for use as foreground foliage and ideal for containers. It is a variegated fern that tolerates mildly acidic soil and deep shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens in a temperate climate. Luminescent blue-green fronds with dark central ribs fade to silver at the edges. Get deals and low prices on japanese painted fern bare root at amazon · japanese painted ferns thrive when they are grown in usda hardiness zones 4-9. An herbaceous perennial. Find out about varieties, cultivars, soil, water, sun exposure, and propagation tips. · japanese painted fern is known for its colorful, arching, and triangular silvery-green leaves (fronds) with purplish midribs. Transform your garden with an array of plants, seeds & flower bulbs. Beautiful mounds of dramatic foliage that will be a standout in the shade garden. · japanese painted ferns are a beautiful genus of shade-loving ferns known for their stunning color combinations.