Species Japanese painted fern
Green leaves with white-purple stems.

Japanese painted fern

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Wildwood Twist'

The Japanese painted fern is an amazing plant species with its delicate foliage and unique color pattern. Its tissue-thin leaflets are beautifully adorned with vivid silver and burgundy hues over a bed of deep green. The 'Wildwood Twist' variety is a standout among painted ferns, with loops and curls that add texture and dimension to any space. Plus, the Japanese painted fern is easy to care for and doesn't require a lot of water or attention. Its feather-like foliage is a unique addition to any home and is sure to impress.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Non-flowering Flowers

Sun:

Deep shade, Filtered shade, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Humus rich, Well-drained

Fruits:

purple,black Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

bronze,green,purple

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water your Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Wildwood Twist') deeply and consistently for best performance. Once the top 2-3 inches of soil has become slightly dry, water your fern deeply to make sure the entire rootball is moist. Allow the leaves of the fern to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot or fungal diseases. Water your fern in the morning or afternoon to avoid any standing water overnight. This will also allow any excess water to evaporate during the day.

sunlight

Japanese painted fern prefers bright, but indirect sunlight, which is the equivalent of up to 4 hours of sun a day. To ensure the ferns thrive, position the plant in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade or even light dappled sun. During the hot summer months, it's important to move the plant to a more shaded spot, to avoid scorching the delicate fronds.

pruning

Japanese painted ferns are best pruned in late winter or early spring during periods of dormancy. Carefully trim off any leaf blades that have become too long or untidy, cutting them back only to the point where the plant will retain its desired form. Be sure to leave enough foliage so that the plant can maintain the proper shape and size. If the center of the plant has become too sparse, it may also be given an overall trimming by cutting the whole plant back by 1 third. New fronds will emerge quickly after pruning.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of the Japanese painted fern typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of the Japanese painted fern typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map