Athyrium niponicum 'Metallicum' - Japanese Painted Fern
This award-winning deciduous fern brings luminous colour to shaded areas with its distinctive silvery-grey fronds highlighted by burgundy-red stems and midribs. The metallic sheen of the foliage creates a striking visual effect that brightens dark corners throughout the growing season.
Seasonal Highlights
Fresh fronds unfurl in spring with their most vibrant colouring, maintaining their metallic lustre through summer before gracefully dying back in autumn. The burgundy stems provide architectural interest as new growth emerges.
Key Features
- Distinctive silvery-grey fronds with burgundy stems
- Compact growth habit ideal for smaller gardens
- Excellent shade tolerance
- Low maintenance and fully hardy
- RHS Award of Garden Merit winner
Perfect For
Ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and containers. Works beautifully as ground cover under trees and shrubs, or combined with other shade-loving perennials. The metallic foliage provides excellent contrast with darker-leaved plants and complements spring bulbs.
Growing Tips
Plant in partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Mulch annually with leaf mould or compost to maintain moisture and fertility. Remove old fronds in early spring before new growth appears. Water during dry spells, especially in the first season.
Looks Great With
Combines beautifully with hostas, astilbes, hellebores, and spring bulbs. Plant alongside Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' or dark-leaved heucheras for stunning foliage contrast. Complements purple-flowered perennials like hardy geraniums.
A sophisticated choice for bringing elegance and light to shaded areas of the garden.
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.