One of the lady ferns, Japanese Painted Ferns (Athyrium niponicum) have some of the most beautiful colorings of any shade plant, let alone among the ferns. The silvery, gray frosted fronds and burgundy stems of Athyrium niponicum var Pictum have kept it a gardener's favorite for years. More recent hybrids and cultivars play up the coloring even further, although sometimes at a hefty price.
Athyrium niponicum var. pictum - Japanese Painted Fern (USDA Zones 4 - 9, 18" x 18", Silver & Burgundy Fronds)
Alternative
- Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Wildwood Twist' (USDA Zones 4 - 9, 18" x 24", Slightly Twisted Silver & Burgundy Fronds)
- Athyrium felix femina 'Lady in Red' (USDA Zones 2 - 8, 18" x 24", Green Fronds Held Upright on Bright Red Stems)
- Polystichum makinoi - Makinoi's Holly Fern (USDA Zones 5 - 9, 2' x 2', Glossy Green fronds with dark vein)