Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Ursula's Red' ('Ursula's Red' Japanese painted fern)

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Ursula's Red' Photo/Illustration: Bill Johnson

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Ursula's Red' ah-THEER-ee-um nih-PON-ih-kum variety PIK-tum Common Name: 'Ursula's Red' Japanese painted fern Genus: Athyrium

All painted fern varieties have broad silvery leaves, but ‘Ursula’s Red’ differs in that the centers of its leaves have a wide, showy burgundy band in spring. Spreading from rhizomes, it quickly doubles its size in one growing season. Though deer do like it, it can quickly produce more fronds and may show no lasting ill effects.


Noteworthy characteristics: It forms a tight, hardy ground cover when plants are placed about 1 foot apart.
Care: Loose, fertile, moist soil. Provide light to full shade and well-drained, rich, moist soil, preferably in a humid environment.
Propagation:

 Divide in spring.


Problems:

 Prone to rust.


Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.;6 in. to 12 in.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.;6 in. to 12 in.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Shade Only;Part Shade to Full Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers
Style Shade, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Perennials,Fern

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