Species
Athyrium niponicumJapanese painted fern16 other cultivars
‘Ghost’Ghost Fern
‘Pictum’Pictum Japanese Painted Fern
‘Japanese Painted Fern’Japanese Painted Fern
‘Wildwood Twist’Japanese Painted Fern 'Wildwood Twist'
‘Metallicum’Metallicum Japanese Painted Fern
‘Regal Red’Regal Red Japanese Painted Fern
‘HH-03CH108’Crested Surf Japanese Painted Fern
‘Crested Surf’Crested Surf Japanese Fern
‘Mix’Japanese Painted Fern
‘Thrill Seeker’Japanese Painted Fern Thrill Seeker
‘Burgundy Lace’Japanese Painted Fern Burgundy Lace
‘Joy Ride’Joy Ride Japanese Painted Fern
‘Lemon Cream’Lemon Cream Japanese Painted Fern
‘Apple Court’Japanese Painted Fern Apple Court
‘Chungdu Queen’Chungdu Queen Japanese Painted Fern
‘Soul Mate’Japanese Painted Fern Soul Mate
The Story
Plant Bio
Athyrium niponicum 'Silver Falls' is known for its striking silver-green fronds that add a unique texture and color to shaded areas.
Distinguished by its graceful, weeping fronds with a brilliant metallic silver overlay and contrasting deep purple-red midribs.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
18"
Width
18"
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Consistently moist
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores or divisions into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Mist the foliage regularly to maintain humidity levels.
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune dead or damaged fronds in early spring for healthy growth.
- Transplant in early fall if needed, ensuring roots are moist.
Pro Tip
Use shaded spots with rich, moist soil to encourage vibrant frond development.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Provide indirect or dappled sunlight
- Apply organic mulch annually
Don't
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely ❌
- Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil
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
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Japanese Painted Fern 'Silver Falls' questions
What zones can Japanese Painted Fern 'Silver Falls' grow in?
Japanese Painted Fern 'Silver Falls' is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. 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 'Silver Falls' deer resistant?
Yes — Japanese Painted Fern 'Silver Falls' is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
Does Japanese Painted Fern 'Silver Falls' need full sun?
Japanese Painted Fern 'Silver Falls' does best in part shade.
More Athyrium to compare
Lady Fern
Athyrium filix-femina
Ghost Fern
Athyrium niponicum 'Ghost'
Pictum Japanese Painted Fern
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'
Lady in Red Fern
Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red'
Japanese Painted Fern
Athyrium niponicum 'Japanese Painted Fern'
Tatting Fern
Athyrium filix-femina 'Frizelliae'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Japanese Painted Fern 'Silver Falls' 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.