Overview
Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum' is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Athyrium, with deciduous foliage. Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum' grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum' is a clump-forming, deciduous fern cultivar suited to shady, sheltered spots. It prefers moist but well-drained soil and tolerates a range of soil textures from sand to clay. Plant it on north- or east-facing aspects where it will receive full or partial shade. Its ease of use makes it suitable for underplanting and mixed borders.
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 nip. pictum 'Metallicum' belongs to the lady-fern group within the genus Athyrium and grows as a neat, clump-forming fern. As a deciduous cultivar it will die back in the winter and produce new fronds in the growing season. The genus has a wide horticultural history as shade-tolerant, leafy ferns used in traditional planting schemes. Select a sheltered, north- or east-facing position in full or partial shade and a soil that remains moist but drains freely; this cultivar accepts loam, sand or clay and prefers acid to neutral pH. Water regularly until established and avoid exposed, windy sites where fronds can desiccate. Its hardiness rating is H4, which translates as average for UK gardens—place it where it will be protected from the most exposed conditions. Use Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum' in cottage and informal gardens, as low-maintenance underplanting beneath roses and shrubs, or in mixed flower borders where shaded ground cover is needed. Give the crown room and a light mulch in winter rather than heavy disturbance so new fronds can emerge unimpeded in the next growth cycle.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Athyrium
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum'
- Propagation
- Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum'?
Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum' prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum' need?
Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand and clay. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum' hardy in the UK?
Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Athyrium nip. pictum 'Metallicum'?
Division.