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Moss, Ferns & Cryptogams

types of Jap. Painted Fern??????

16 years ago

I was at a local garden center the other day. The had regular Japanese painted ferns, Metallic Japanese Painted Ferns and a 3rd Jap. Painted Fern. It looked cool and different, so I bought it and got it home----no tags. Of course the 16 year old behind the counter couldn't find but 2 different ones when I called. I live an hour away, so today when I went back, the 3rd mystery fern is all sold out. Go figure--my luck. Does anyone know any differnet types other than the two listed?? I googled it and found a burgundy lace, which is really possible, I just can't remember. It has reddish purple veins. Any help greatly appreciated.

Joyceann

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Comments (2)

razorback33
16 years ago
The Japanese Painted Fern, Athyrium nipponicum, var. pictum, is often sold using the varietial name as a cultivar,i.e., 'Pictum' or as 'Metallicum', which are synonymous.
The fern can produce many variations in color, depending upon the amount of light it receives, sun exposure, season of the year and age. Some of those variations have been selected and given cultivar names. The following are some being offered in the trade:

'Ursula's Red' (said to emerge in the spring with bright red stems, but fades to the natural burgundy color during the season).
'Silver Falls'
'Pewter Lace'
'Burgundy Lace' (said to develop burgundy color in the fronds after several years).
'Red Beauty'
'Ocean's Fury'
'Wildwood Twist' (slight twist in fronds)
'Wildwood Wonder'
'Wildwood Ancient Jade'
'Apple Court' (crested type)
'Montpelier' (dwarf type)

There are a few hybrids between the Japanese Painted Fern and the Lady Fern, Athyrium filix-femina now available:
Athyrium x 'Ghost' (silver-gray upright habit)
Athyrium x 'Branford Beauty'
Athyrium x 'Branford Rambler' (green fronds, red stems)

All of these require constantly moist, well drained soil, in partial to full shade. All are rhizomatous selections and produce spores, except the hybrids, which are sterile, or very likely so.
Rb
joyceann
Original Author
16 years ago
Rb,
You are amazing. Thank you so much for all of the information. I had no idea there were so many. Now I have a new list :( . I just love my painted fern. We moved into our new house last July and the neighbors dog dug the same fern up 3 times and it is still living and getting bigger and bigger! (We also installed a $4000 chain link fence for the mad digger!)
Joyceann
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