Species

Coniogramme japonicaJapanese Bamboo Fern

1 other cultivar

‘Variegata’Japanese Variegated Fern

fern

Johnson Form Japanese Bamboo Fern

Coniogramme japonica 'Johnson Form'

The Story

Plant Bio

Coniogramme japonica, known as Japanese Coniogramme, is a perennial fern with delicate, arching fronds featuring finely divided, bright green foliage that creates a lush, ferny appearance.

The Johnson Form cultivar is distinguished by its more compact growth habit and slightly darker, more robust fronds, making it an attractive choice for shaded garden areas.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, evergreen foliage that enhances shaded landscape areas.

Erodes soil and prevents erosion in shaded slopes.

Supports local pollinators and maintains shaded microclimates.

SpeciesConiogramme japonicaJapanese Bamboo Fern

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fern

Height

30 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Requires consistent moisture

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early spring – Late fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck spores into moist, well-draining soil in spring.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth.
Place in partial shade for optimal growth.
Transplant mature plants during early spring or fall.
Mulch around base to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Maintain consistent moisture and avoid direct sunlight for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Prune dead fronds to encourage new growth
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Over-fertilize which can cause leaf burn

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shady woodland borderEvergreen groundcoverMoist shaded garden bed

Companion Plants

Hostas Astilbes Heucheras Japanese Maples Ferns

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Johnson Form Japanese Bamboo Fern questions

What zones can Johnson Form Japanese Bamboo Fern grow in?

Johnson Form Japanese Bamboo Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Johnson Form Japanese Bamboo Fern deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Johnson Form Japanese Bamboo Fern, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Johnson Form Japanese Bamboo Fern bloom?

Johnson Form Japanese Bamboo Fern typically blooms in early spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Johnson Form Japanese Bamboo Fern need full sun?

Johnson Form Japanese Bamboo Fern does best in part shade.