Where to Plant Japanese Painted Fern
Japanese painted ferns are hardy in Zones 4-9.
For the most mesmerizing effect, plant the multi-hued fern in clusters to really magnify its lush beauty.
The plant will thrive in well-draining soil that is mildly acidic to neutral.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
If you are planting more than one fern, place them about 24 inches apart.
Water your Japanese painted ferms thoroughly, and keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season.
Japanese Painted Fern Care Tips
Mostfernscan be more temperamental than your average garden perennial.
Credit: Clint Farlinger
Particularly in the harsh afternoon light, the delicate leaves can scorch, burning away their beauty.
Soil and Water
Japanese painted ferns can also be fussy about soil conditions.
For this pop in of fern, the ideal is rich, well-draining soil with lots of organic matter.
Credit: Clint Farlinger
As they grow, Japanese painted ferns will want consistently moist but not fully wet conditions.
Check the soil frequently and water when the top layer feels dry to the touch.
Keep your ferns evenly moist for the most vigorous growth.
Credit: Clint Farlinger
During warm weather, your ferns may want more water than they require in the fall and winter months.
Unlikesome tropical ferns, Japanese painted ferns actually benefit from a winter dormancy period.
Ifgrowing indoors, place your potted Japanese painted fern in an area with a little indirect dappled light.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Container-grown Japanese painted ferns are slow-growing but can become root-bound over time, which stunts their growth.
Do not cover the fern as it could rot from the excess moisture.
The most common issues Japanese painted ferns face are fungal diseases and rot.
Credit: Clint Farlinger
These issues usually occur because of excess watering or poorly draining soil.
How to Propagate Japanese Painted Fern
Propagation of Japanese painted ferns is best done via division.
Shake loose the excess soil and divide the root system into three or four sections using sharp gardening shears.
Credit: Clint Farlinger
see to it that each section contains a reasonable amount of roots, rhizomes, and fronds.
Plant individual sections in pots or in the ground about 24 inches apart, and water them thoroughly.
Compared to most other ferns, it is relatively tolerant of dry soil.
Credit: Clint Farlinger
Grow ‘Lady in Red’ in Zones 4-9.
Branford Beauty Fern
Athyrium’Branford Beauty' is a plant with stunning upright silvery fronds and red stems.
This jot down of fern thrives in Zones 5-8.
Credit: Matthew Benson
Apple Court Fern
Athyrium niponicum’Apple Court' bears textural, crested fronds marked with silver and burgundy.
Zones 5-8 are ideal for this plant.
Japanese Painted Fern
Athyrium niponicum pictumis one of the best-known ferns.
Credit: David McDonald
Its silvery fronds tinged with burgundy make an elegant container or garden accent.
Grow Japanese painted ferns in Zones 4-9.
Ghost Fern
Athyrium’Ghost' has silvery white fronds and an upright growth pattern.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Plants reach 2 feet tall and produce new fronds all summer long when grown in Zones 4-8.
Silver Falls Fern
Athyrium niponicum’Silver Falls' has pinkish-red stems and reddish-purple veins.
It’s most colorful when it gets a few hours of sun per day.
Grow this pop in of fern in Zones 5-8.
Tatting Fern
Athyrium filix-femina’Frizelliae,' also called tatting fern, is a 1-foot-tall dwarf plant.
It is a jot down of lady fern that thrives in Zones 4-8.
Its scalloped leaves catch rain and dewdrops, giving them a sparking, jewel-like appearance.
The plant’s chartreuse flowers appear above the foliage in playful, frothy clusters.
Additionally, the plant can be situated in borders like edgings or as colorful accent plants.
Credit: Illustration by Gary Palmer
Provide high-humus soil that retains moisture.
Although lungworts tolerate dry conditions, be alert for mildew.
Ajuga
Ajugais one of the most indispensable groundcovers around.
It has many uses and looks great much of the year.
Also known as carpetweed or bugleweed, ajuga forms a 6-inch-tall mat of glossy leaves.
The leaves are often colored with shades of purple, white, silver, cream, or pink.
Individual plants grow as a rosette but intertwine to form a solid carpet that withstands some foot traffic.
Blue, lavender, pink, or white flower spikes adorn plants from spring to early summer.
The addition of Japanese painted ferns brings a wispy softness to the garden beds layered look.
The first layer includes elegantbleeding heartsandhostasfollowed byhelleboreandfoamy bells.
Astilbes and Japanese painted ferns comprise the lowest level, adding delicate texture whiledeadnettleandbarrenwortspill over the edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Japanese painted ferns are not considered toxic to pets.
The Japanese painted fern is unlikely to cause issues for neighboring plants unless they are planted too close.
If unexpected and unwanted sporelings pop up, remove them before they have a chance to become deeply rooted.
