Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Silver Falls'
painted lady fern
This deciduous fern will slowly spread by underground rhizomes to form low clumps or finely divided green leaves, which look like they have been heavily dusted with silver. The beautiful colouring of Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Silver Falls' is made even more dramatic by the dark maroon midribs. The colour is best in spring, especially when planted in partial shade.
Provided it gets reliable moisture, it is very easy to grow in neutral to acidic soils. Use it as underplaning in a woodland garden where it will naturalise well, or leave it to spill over the edges of a shady path.
Provided it gets reliable moisture, it is very easy to grow in neutral to acidic soils. Use it as underplaning in a woodland garden where it will naturalise well, or leave it to spill over the edges of a shady path.
How to care for Athyrium niponicum var. pictum Silver Falls:
Plant Athyrium ferns in partial to full shade, in soil that stays consistently moist but drains freely. Incorporate plenty of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole to enrich the soil and support healthy root development.
Water during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season. Apply a mulch of leaf mould or compost each spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Cut back old fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
In colder parts of the UK, protect the crown in late autumn with a dry mulch of straw or bracken to prevent frost damage.
Water during dry periods, particularly in the first growing season. Apply a mulch of leaf mould or compost each spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Cut back old fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
In colder parts of the UK, protect the crown in late autumn with a dry mulch of straw or bracken to prevent frost damage.
Eventual height:
0.5m
Eventual spread:
1.5m
Position:
Light shade / shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This fern is deciduous so all its fronds will die back in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again each spring.
9cm pot
£9.99
available to order from autumn
Unavailable
3 × 9cm pots
£24.99
£8.33 each
available to order from autumn
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