Family Woodsiaceae.
Originating from Japan.
- Silvery fronds with strong burgundy-purple new growth.
- Arching, lacy foliage creates a soft, elegant mound.
- Compact and slow-growing, excellent for shady spots.
The Burgundy Painted Lady Fern in Your Garden
Each stunning leaf is like a work of art with rich purple-burgundy markings throughout the season. The new fronds, or croziers, are completely flushed in the deepest burgundy, developing silver markings as they mature. Their intricate beauty warrants close-up viewing and is ideal for planting along paths, in raised beds, or in pots.
Athyrium niponicum ‘Burgundy Lace’ is hardy in all but the coldest, exposed UK gardens. Over time, it grows slowly to around 50cm tall and 1m wide in 5-10 years, making it ideal for smaller shady borders. Woodland and jungle gardens in Norfolk suit it perfectly, where canopies of taller plants create shade and a humid microclimate.
It holds centre stage effortlessly in minimalist planting schemes, thanks to its highly ornamental colours and markings. Nestle it amongst moss-covered stones in Suffolk’s minimalist Japanese-style courtyards and on shady contemporary patios in pots. It makes a high impact for a small specimen.
Did you know?
In Japanese culture, this fern is considered a living embodiment of wabi-sabi—the acceptance of life’s imperfections and the appreciation of transient, subtle beauty.
Growing Tips for Your Athyrium niponicum var. pictum ‘Burgundy Lace’
- Soil and sun: plant in any soil in full or part shade. Moist, dappled shade for maximum lushness. Humus-rich woodland soil is ideal.
- Planting: at any time of year. Never plant a dry plant! Plunge for 10 minutes to drench the root ball before planting.
- Watering: Moderate; tolerates brief dry spells once established if grown in cool dappled shade. Water regularly during its first summer while it is rooting out.
- Pruning: Remove old fronds in late winter or early spring as new growth emerges.
The burgundy painted fern slowly develops a natural-looking colony, spreading by means of a creeping root, or rhizome. Its beauty stems from its mass of delicate, finely cut, pinnate leaves, in contrast with the individual structure of ‘shuttlecock’ ferns. Give its rhizomes a rocky crevice or cool stones around it, and it will reward you with an instant Zen look.
