Overview
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum/metallicu' is a clump forming fern in the genus Anisocampium, part of the Athyriaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum/metallicu' grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include shade gardens, woodland gardens, borders and containers. It is native to Japan and Korea.
About
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum/metallicu' is a cultivar of the lady-fern genus Athyrium, which comprises around 180 species of terrestrial ferns found worldwide. This particular cultivar grows to about 0.3 metres in height and thrives in full shade. It prefers moist but well-drained or wet soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay types. It is hardy in the UK, rated H7, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings where shade and moisture are present.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Athyrium niponicum
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.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Anisocampium
- Sunlight
- Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum/metallicu' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fern
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Suggested uses
- Shade gardens, Woodland gardens, Borders, Containers
- Native to
- Japan, Korea
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum/metallicu'
- Cultivation
- Prefers consistently moist, humus-rich soil in shaded locations. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent frond scorch.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring before new growth emerges.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or spore propagation.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum/metallicu'?
Prefers consistently moist, humus-rich soil in shaded locations. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent frond scorch.
Where is the best place to plant Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum/metallicu'?
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum/metallicu' prefers full shade. It suits shade positions.
What soil does Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum/metallicu' need?
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum/metallicu' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum/metallicu'?
Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring before new growth emerges.
How big does Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum/metallicu' grow?
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum/metallicu' reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum/metallicu' hardy in the UK?
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum/metallicu' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum/metallicu'?
Division in spring or spore propagation.