19 named cultivars
‘Pictum’Pictum Japanese Painted Fern
‘Ghost’Ghost Fern
‘Wildwood Twist’Japanese Painted Fern 'Wildwood Twist'
‘Japanese Painted Fern’Japanese Painted Fern
‘Metallicum’Metallicum Japanese Painted Fern
‘Crested Surf’Crested Surf Japanese Fern
‘Regal Red’Regal Red Japanese Painted Fern
‘HH-03CH108’Crested Surf Japanese Painted Fern
‘Mix’Japanese Painted Fern
‘Thrill Seeker’Japanese Painted Fern Thrill Seeker
‘Silver Falls’Japanese Painted Fern 'Silver Falls'
‘Joy Ride’Joy Ride Japanese Painted Fern
‘Lemon Cream’Lemon Cream Japanese Painted Fern
‘Burgundy Lace’Japanese Painted Fern Burgundy Lace
‘Apple Court’Japanese Painted Fern Apple Court
‘Chungdu Queen’Chungdu Queen Japanese Painted Fern
‘Soul Mate’Japanese Painted Fern Soul Mate
‘Ursula's Red’Ursula's Red Japanese Painted Fern- ‘Ping Wu’Ping Wu Japanese Painted Fern
Same species
19 named cultivars
- ‘Pictum’Pictum Japanese Painted Fern
- ‘Ghost’Ghost Fern
- ‘Wildwood Twist’Japanese Painted Fern 'Wildwood Twist'
- ‘Japanese Painted Fern’Japanese Painted Fern
- ‘Metallicum’Metallicum Japanese Painted Fern
- ‘Crested Surf’Crested Surf Japanese Fern
- ‘Regal Red’Regal Red Japanese Painted Fern
- ‘HH-03CH108’Crested Surf Japanese Painted Fern
- ‘Mix’Japanese Painted Fern
- ‘Thrill Seeker’Japanese Painted Fern Thrill Seeker
- ‘Silver Falls’Japanese Painted Fern 'Silver Falls'
- ‘Joy Ride’Joy Ride Japanese Painted Fern
- ‘Lemon Cream’Lemon Cream Japanese Painted Fern
- ‘Burgundy Lace’Japanese Painted Fern Burgundy Lace
- ‘Apple Court’Japanese Painted Fern Apple Court
- ‘Chungdu Queen’Chungdu Queen Japanese Painted Fern
- ‘Soul Mate’Japanese Painted Fern Soul Mate
- ‘Ursula's Red’Ursula's Red Japanese Painted Fern
- ‘Ping Wu’Ping Wu Japanese Painted Fern
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
18 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Consistently moist
Humidity
Prefers high humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan, China
Toxicity
Non-toxic to pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Athyrium niponicum is a deciduous fern characterized by its delicate, feathery fronds. It has a graceful appearance and adds texture to shady areas. The species is known for its attractive silvery or variegated fronds, particularly in 'Pictum', offering visual interest throughout the growing season.
Uses & Benefits:
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores or divisions into moist, well-draining soil in early spring.
- Mist the fronds regularly to maintain humidity and promote growth.
- Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells.
- Apply a layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Transplant in early fall or spring to avoid extreme temperatures.
- Fertilize with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growing season.
Pro Tip
Provide dappled shade and rich, moist soil for vibrant, healthy fronds.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Provide partial to full shade
- Mulch to retain moisture
- Use organic fertilizer during the growing season
Don't
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils
- Don't fertilize in winter
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Japanese painted fern questions
What zones can Japanese painted fern grow in?
Japanese painted fern is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Japanese painted fern deer resistant?
Yes — Japanese painted fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
Does Japanese painted fern need full sun?
Japanese painted fern does best in part shade.
More Athyrium to compare
Lady Fern
Athyrium filix-femina
Pictum Japanese Painted Fern
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'
Ghost Fern
Athyrium niponicum 'Ghost'
Lady in Red Fern
Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red'
Okanum fern
Athyrium otophorum 'Okanum'
Tatting Fern
Athyrium filix-femina 'Frizelliae'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Japanese painted fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.