Athyrium Metallicum 3 Litre Pot

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Metallicum', commonly known as the Japanese Painted Fern 'Metallicum', is a striking deciduous fern perfect for adding colour and texture to UK gardens, particularly in shaded or woodland areas. This variety is known for its unique, metallic-silver foliage, which adds a dramatic, eye-catching contrast to darker planting schemes.

Key Features:

• Foliage: The primary attraction of 'Metallicum' is its stunning fronds, which have a silvery, metallic sheen with purple veins running through them. The combination of these colours creates a beautiful, soft appearance that enhances shaded areas of the garden.
• Size: This fern is relatively compact, growing to a height and spread of around 30-60 cm (1-2 feet), making it ideal for smaller gardens, underplanting, or use in containers.
• Growth Habit: Athyrium 'Metallicum' has an elegant, arching habit and forms a neat, clumping mound. It is not invasive and makes a great low-maintenance choice for borders and shady spots.

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Prefers partial shade to full shade, making it a great choice for darker corners of the garden. It can tolerate some morning sun but should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its delicate fronds.
• Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil, ideally with plenty of organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil but is generally adaptable as long as the soil is not waterlogged.
• Watering: This fern enjoys consistently moist soil, so regular watering is necessary, particularly during dry periods.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK, it can tolerate cold winters (zones 4-8), making it a reliable option for most British gardens.

Maintenance:

• Low maintenance: Requires little care once established. In autumn, the fronds die back and can be cut down to the ground in late winter before new growth emerges in spring.
• Mulching: Applying a mulch of organic matter helps retain soil moisture and provides nutrients, which is especially beneficial in drier periods.

Landscape Uses:

Athyrium 'Metallicum' is perfect for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and containers. It combines well with other shade-loving plants like hostas, heucheras, and hellebores, adding a beautiful soft contrast to bolder textures. Its compact size makes it ideal for planting under trees or alongside paths where its delicate fronds can be admired up close.

Athyrium Metallicum 3 Litre Pot Grasslands Nursery Winter Hardy Average Rate Of Growth Deciduous

Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.