Athyrium Niponicum 'Pictum'

Name: Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’

Common Name: Japanese painted fern

Description: The Japanese painted fern produces 12- to 18-inch long fronds that are a soft shade of metallic silver-gray with hints of red and blue. It grows to 18 inches high, and as it multiplies, can make a 24-inch wide clump.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8.

In the landscape: It grows best in part to full shade with the best frond color occurring in light shade. Plant in a well-drained, compost-rich soil. Use Japanese painted fern with other shade-loving perennials such as hosta, bleeding heart, columbine, astilbe and coral bells. Use along a border, as an edging, en masse or in a container.

Attributes: The colorful foliage is vibrant from early spring until frost.

For More: Perennial Plant Association, www.perennialplant.org.