Japanese painted fern is a lot different from the plain green ferns that many gardeners are most familiar with, such as the interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana). True to its name, Japanese painted fern is more colorful, offering triangular, silvery leaves (called "fronds," technically) that sport an arching habit. As if that were not exciting enough, they also have grayish-green in them, as well as purplish midribs, making them variegated ferns.

Common Name	Japanese painted fern
Botanical Name	Athyrium niponicum
Family	Athyrium
Plant Type	Perennial
Mature Size	About 18 in. tall and wide
Sun Exposure	Partial, shade
Soil Type	Moist but well-drained
Soil pH	Neutral, acidic, alkaline
Hardiness Zones	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Native Area	Asia

Bloom Time:
Foliage plant all season.


How  to  plant：
Light
While Japanese painted fern is listed as being a plant for partial shade or full shade, the decision is often made for you based on where you live. At the more southerly end of its range, Japanese painted fern should be grown in full shade. Northerners have more choice in the matter. Still, the fact that the plant achieves its best color in the North if grown in partial shade more or less makes the decision on plant location for you.

Soil
An essential requirement in growing Japanese painted fern is soil with excellent drainage. Otherwise, the plant may suffer from root rot and fungal diseases.

Water
Keep the soil evenly moist (but not soggy). Otherwise, browning on the fronds will occur during the heat of summer.

Temperature and Humidity
The Japanese painted fern does best in moderate temperatures of 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It also prefers a moderate humidity level of 40 to 60 percent.

Fertilizer
As long as you work organic soil amendments into its soil occasionally (including feedings of manure tea), additional fertilization should not be necessary. But if you prefer commercial fertilizers, apply a balanced fertilizer in spring, carefully following the instructions on the label.