Japanese Painted Fern 'Metallicum' A cultivar of the Japanese painted fern, Athyrium niponicum var. Pictum Metallicum differs in having an almost silvery colouring, again with the subtly plum-coloured mid-rib. A small to medium-sized, deciduous fern with the same delicate habit and leaves, it can bring a splash of brightness to deep shade, whether in humus-rich soil in the border, in a woodland planting or in a container in a shaded patio. Will spread where happy. Site: ShelteredSoils: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich, acid to neutral soilsPosition: Part-shade or deep shadeSeason of interest: Spring, summer, autumnHardiness: HardyHeight: 18” (45cm) Spread: 18” (45cm)