Japanese Painted Fern Related to the lady fern, Athyrium niponicum var. pictum is a small to medium-sized, deciduous fern which forms an elegant rosette of delicate leaves in subtle shades of pink and grey-green with a plum coloured mid-rib. Hardy, and much tougher than it looks, it will thrive in moist shade, and slowly spread to form colonies where it’s suited. Looks stunning with plum-coloured oriental hellebores, and good in containers in a shaded patio. The Japanese painted fern dies back with the first frosts; leave the foliage on to protect the crown in colder areas. Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Site: ShelteredSoils: Moist, humus-rich, acid to neutral soilsPosition: Part-shade or deep shadeSeason of interest: Spring, summer, autumnHardiness: HardyHeight to 18” (45cm) Spread to 18” (45cm)