Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' Japanese Painted Fern's new fronds are a soft metallic gray with rose and maroon tints; they take on a deeper blue-green color as they mature. Japanese Painted Fern has a graceful weeping habit. Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' was chosen the Perennial Plant Association's 2004 Plant of the Year.Japanese Painted Fern is deciduous.
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' prefers bright to moderate shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is somewhat drought tolerant, once established, but will look best with consistent moisture.