Plant Min Zone: 3a
Plant Max Zone: 8a
Sunlight: Part Sun, Shade, Deep Shade
Water / Rainfall: Average, High
Soil Quality: Average, Rich
Bloom Season: Fern (no flowers)
Flower Color: None
Berry / Fruit Color: None
Spring Foliage Color: Green, White, Purple, Variegated
Summer Foliage Color: Green, White, Purple, Variegated
Fall Foliage Color: Green, White, Variegated
Evergreen Foliage: No
Winter Interest: No
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: Low
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low, Medium
Humidity Tolerance: Medium
Wind Tolerance: Low
Poor Soil Tolerance: No Extreme Soils
Height: 1' - 1.5'
Width: 1.5' - 2'
Growth Rate: Slow
Service Life: Short: 1-3 years
Maintenance Need: Medium
Spreading Potential: Extremely Low
Yearly Trimming Tips: Trim Perennial to Ground Around First Fall Freeze: No Winter Interest.
Plant Grouping Size: Small Grouping of 3-5
Best Side of House: North Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: Tolerates Damp Full Shade
Ornamental Features: Exceptional / Colorful Foliage
Special Landscape Uses: None
Possible Pest Problems: Weed Competition
Plant Limitations: Environmental Stress / Decline, Needs Regular Irrigation
Shippable in 2026: YES
Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium nipponicum 'Pictum') is planted for its unusual leaf pattern of purple, white, and mint green. Foliage maintains well all year provided that certain cultural conditions are met. Native to forests with humusy, medium to wet, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade, it needs constantly moist soil rich in organic matter with some clay ok. Generally this plant declines after a few years of Kansas climate but worth a try in perfect soils in well-tended shade gardens. Preferring northern climates, lack of moisture, alkaline soils, and competition with weeds seem to be an issue. Athyrium nipponicum 'Regal Red' is an improved cultivar with nice reddish coloring added to the mix of mint green, lavender, and white.