What Is a Japanese Painted Fern?
A Japanese painted fern, or Athyrium nipponicum pictum, germinates as a perennial plant. It displays an equal proportion of height and width in mostly shaded areas. Colors of the wispy foliage appear painted rather than evergreen, hence the name painted fern. This low-maintenance fern withstands cold-hardy conditions and generally grows at a slow to moderate pace. A Japanese painted fern adds some contrast to other shade-based perennials. The plant returns every year regardless of whether it is cold or hot outdoors. The perennial is considered to be deciduous because while it remains, the leaves die back during harsh winter seasons. A native of Japan and other Asian countries, the Japanese painted fern has experienced popularity in other regions.
