Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Silver Falls'

Japanese Painted Fern ' Silver Falls' Athyriaceae

Athyrium niponicum ‘Silver Falls’ is the Japanese painted fern with the silver dial turned firmly to maximum. Its arching, finely divided fronds are heavily overlaid in metallic silver, set off by striking purple-red midribs, with the silvery colouring becoming particularly impressive as the season progresses. It is a selection of Athyrium niponicum var. pictum, notable for retaining its silver colouring for considerably longer than the ordinary forms. It was introduced as a patented cultivar, US PP12,803, granted in 2002. 

The name ‘Silver Falls’ is particularly appropriate for its cascading habit and silvery appearance, and the cultivar has earned an RHS Award of Garden Merit.  Give it partial to full shade, humus-rich, fertile soil and dependable moisture. Light shade produces the best colour, while drying out can spoil both the foliage and the performance. A superb fern for woodland planting, containers or illuminating the darker corners of the border.

Altitude: Cultivar — not applicable
Hardiness: H5, approximately −15 to −10°C
Height: 30–45cm
Spread: 30–45cm