Athyrium niponicum Red Beauty

Deeply cut, fronds of ferny leaves with variegation and magical markings in captivating colours. Once you have seen the incredible display, it is easy to see why Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Red Beauty' is known commonly as the Japanese Painted Fern. This is a striking deciduous fern which matures to form a pretty rosette of arching, lacy fronds. These emerge in early spring with the graceful fronds often develop a silvery shimmer alongside a contrasting burgundy-red flush to the stems and midribs. Delicate and feathery, plants will spread slowly providing a striking contrast to other surrounding folliage. Exceptional as groundcover on a woodland floor (spilling over a shady path edge), vibrant as a foil in a mixed container display and an intriguing cool greenhouse or conservatory plant. Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Red Beauty' prefers moist (not waterlogged), fertile, neutral to acid, humus-rich soil which benefits from full or partial shade. Choose a sheltered spot for this hardy, deciduous perennial and cut back any tatty or dead fronds in either autumn or spring. Matures to a height and spread of 50cm.