About

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Pearly White' is a compact and gradually expanding deciduous fern that forms a neat mound. Its red stems support fronds characterized by light green margins and white centers, presenting a frosted look. This fern is well-suited for border plantings along pathways, in shaded spots, or for use in pots and containers.

About the genus

Athyrium comprises deciduous ferns characterized by their upright or spreading rhizomes, which support typically pinnate to tripinnate fronds that are often thin in texture. These ferns are particularly well-suited for shaded environments.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full shade, Partial shade
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Neutral, Acid
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, West-facing, North-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Ferns
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Cultivation
Plant in moist but free draining fertile, neutral to acid soil in a shaded, sheltered site. See how to grow ferns for further advice
Pruning
No pruning required but can remove older fading leaves if necessary as new fronds appear
Propagation
Propagate by division
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free