Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum' (Japanese Painted Fern) — Fern

Overview

Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum' is a fern in the genus Athyrium, part of the Athyriaceae family. Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include shade garden, woodland garden, borders and containers. It is native to Japan.

About

Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum' (Japanese Painted Fern) is a shade-tolerant fern from Japan prized for its painted-looking fronds. It prefers partial to full shade on north, east or west aspects and needs a sheltered position. Plant in moist, rich, well-drained soil that is acidic to neutral. Rated H5, it is hardy for most UK gardens when given consistent moisture.

About the genus

Athyrium (lady-fern) is a genus of about 180 species of terrestrial ferns, with a cosmopolitan distribution. It is placed in the family Athyriaceae, in the order Polypodiales. Its genus name is from Greek a- ('without') and Latinized Greek thyreos ('shield'), describing its inconspicuous indusium .

Wikipedia contributors, "Athyrium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Athyrium

In the garden

Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum' belongs to the family Athyriaceae and originates from Japan; the cultivar name and common name reflect the marked appearance of its fronds. It establishes as a ground cover in shaded sites and is best sited out of direct sun where its frond patterning remains distinct. Give it partial shade or full shade in a sheltered spot on a north, east or west aspect. The fern favours moist, well-drained, rich soil with an acid to neutral reaction; keep soil moisture steady rather than allowing the root zone to dry out. As a UK H5-rated plant it is classed as hardy, so it will survive typical winter conditions in most regions when planted in a protected microclimate. Use Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum' in shade gardens and woodland borders, tucked beneath trees and shrubs, or in containers where you can control compost quality and moisture. For neatness, remove or trim back last season’s fronds in early spring to reveal fresh growth and maintain the clump’s appearance.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Athyrium

Sunlight: Partial shade, Shade
Soil type: Moist, Well-drained, Rich
Soil pH: Acidic, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist
Aspect: North, East, West
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Fern
Suggested uses: Shade garden, Woodland garden, Borders, Containers
Native to: Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum'

Cultivation: Prefers consistently moist, humus-rich soil in shaded or partially shaded locations; avoid direct sun to prevent frond scorch.
Pruning: Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring before new growth emerges.
Propagation: Division in spring or spore propagation.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum'?

Prefers consistently moist, humus-rich soil in shaded or partially shaded locations; avoid direct sun to prevent frond scorch.

Where is the best place to plant Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum'?

Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum' need?

Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, well-drained and rich. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum'?

Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring before new growth emerges.

Is Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum' hardy in the UK?

Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum'?

Division in spring or spore propagation.

More in the Athyrium genus

Browse all Athyrium →