Athyrium niponicum var pictum Silver Falls

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 'Silver Falls' is known commonly as the Japanese Painted Fern and holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Striking fronds of soft grey-green tones almost seem to have a touch of frosted silver when they are highlighted by the contrasting red-purple ribs. The arching stems form a rosette-like clump around 45cm high and 30-60cm wide - lighting up any dark or gloomy area. Delicate and feathery, plants will spread slowly providing a striking contrast with neighbouring plants. Alternatively, use as ground cover on a woodland floor (spilling over a shady path edge), as a foil in a mixed container display, or as a cool greenhouse and conservatory plant. Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Silver Falls' prefers to be situated in moist (though not waterlogged), fertile, neutral to acid, humus-rich soil in 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.