Description of Athyrium niponicum 'Metallicum'

Athyrium niponicum 'Metallicum' is a Japanese painted fern grown for silvered fronds with darker midribs. It’s a strong choice for damp shade around bog gardens.

Appearance

It forms a compact clump of arching fronds, usually 30 to 50cm tall. Colour is strongest on new growth and in light shade. It spreads slowly, so it stays tidy.

Care Guide

Keep the soil damp and the roots cool.

Sun: Shade to light shade.
Soil: Moist, humus-rich soil with leaf mould.
Water: Keep consistently damp.
Mulch: Mulch in spring to hold moisture.
Tidy: Remove old fronds in late winter.

It looks best where you can see the frond detail up close.

Suitability for Bog Garden

This suits bog gardens on the shadier edge, not the saturated centre. It works well with hostas, primulas, and woodland grasses.

Avoid full sun unless the soil never dries.

FAQ

Is it evergreen?
No, it usually dies back in winter.

Does it like wet soil?
It likes damp soil, but avoid water sitting over the crown.

How tall does it grow?
Often 30 to 50cm.

Can it take sun?
Only gentle sun with constant moisture. Shade is safer.