Athyrium niponicum 'Metallicum' | Japanese Painted Fern | Silver Purple Fern | Shade Perennial | Deer Resistant | 13.5" Potted Plant

Athyrium niponicum 'Metallicum', commonly known as Japanese Painted Fern, is a striking deciduous fern prized for its shimmering silver fronds highlighted with purple and burgundy tones. Its metallic foliage brightens shady garden spaces and provides beautiful texture from spring through fall.

This elegant, low-maintenance fern forms graceful mounds that pair beautifully with hostas, heucheras, and other woodland perennials. Deer resistant and easy to grow, it is an excellent choice for shade gardens, borders, containers, and woodland landscapes.

Key Features

• Botanical Name: Athyrium niponicum 'Metallicum'
• Common Name: Japanese Painted Fern
• Life Cycle: Deciduous Perennial Fern
• Foliage Color: Silver with Purple and Burgundy Highlights
• Mature Height: 12–18 inches
• Spread: 18–24 inches
• Growth Habit: Mounding, Arching
• Light Requirements: Partial Shade to Full Shade
• Water Needs: Moderate; prefers consistently moist soil
• Hardiness Zones: USDA 3–8
• Characteristics: Deer Resistant, Shade Loving, Low Maintenance, Ornamental Foliage

Uses

• Woodland gardens
• Shade borders
• Under trees and shrubs
• Container gardens
• Groundcover plantings
• Moist shade gardens

Planting Partners

• Hosta
• Heuchera
• Astilbe
• Epimedium
• Tricyrtis (Toad Lily)

Care Tips

• Plant in rich, moist, well-draining soil.
• Thrives in partial to full shade.
• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during summer heat.
• Apply mulch annually to retain moisture and enrich the soil.
• Remove old fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.