Athyrium niponicum Pictum

Athyrium niponicum Pictum

Why Buy Me?

• Easy to grow
• Loves the shade
• Great for a woodland / oriental themed garden

Growing Conditions

Light:
Partial to full shade. Thrives in dappled light or morning sun with afternoon shade. Too much direct sunlight, especially in hot climates, can scorch the delicate fronds.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. Performs best in loamy or silty soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid dry or compacted soils.

Exposure:
Best in sheltered, shaded areas protected from strong winds. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9 (UK H7), tolerant of cold winters but may need mulch in colder zones.

Drought Tolerance:
Low to moderate. Requires consistent moisture, especially in warm, dry weather. Not suitable for drought-prone areas unless irrigated regularly.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in spring or autumn when temperatures are mild and natural rainfall helps with establishment.

Spacing:
Space 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart. Grows 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) tall and wide, forming graceful clumps over time.

Watering & Fertilization:
Keep soil consistently moist, particularly during the growing season. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely. A spring application of compost or a slow-release balanced fertilizer supports healthy growth.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring with compost, leaf mould, or well-rotted manure to retain soil moisture and enrich the soil. Remove old, tired fronds in early spring before new growth emerges.

Propagation:
Propagate by division in early spring or late autumn. Can also be grown from spores, but this is a slower process typically reserved for more advanced gardeners.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New fronds unfurl in silvery tones flushed with burgundy and purple. Provides early colour and texture in shade gardens.

Summer:
Fronds mature into striking silver-grey with deep maroon to purplish midribs and green highlights, creating a painterly, elegant appearance.

Autumn:
Foliage remains attractive into early autumn, fading gracefully before dying back for winter.

Winter:
Deciduous. Dies back to the ground in winter. Mulch crowns lightly in colder climates to protect dormant roots.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Provides shelter and cover for insects and small garden creatures. Not known for attracting pollinators or as a food source. Deer- and rabbit-resistant due to its slightly bitter foliage.

Garden Use:
Excellent for shady borders, woodland gardens, underplanting trees, or in shaded containers. Adds elegant texture and colour to areas where most plants struggle. Great choice for low-maintenance shade gardening.

Companion Plants:
Combines beautifully with Hostas, Heucheras, Pulmonaria, Tiarella, Brunnera, and other ferns like Dryopteris and Asplenium. Its silvery tones contrast nicely with dark green, blue, or purple foliage.

Transform your home and garden with the Athyrium niponicum Pictum , a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendations.