Japanese Painted Fern Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Ursula's Red'
ABOUT
The plant, commonly known as Japanese painted fern, features a stunning display with its fronds that show off a mix of vibrant colors. Each frond presents a beautiful tapestry of hues that include silver, green, burgundy, and red. The silver overlay is prevalent over much of the leaf surface which accents the rich tones underneath. The plant's foliage has a delicate and feathery appearance which contributes to its ornamental appeal. The stems can sometimes exhibit a reddish tone that complements the colorful foliage. The overall effect is a striking contrast of color and a textural display that makes the Japanese painted fern a desirable addition to shade gardens or woodland settings. Its unique coloring with shades of silver and red distinguishes 'Ursula's Red' from other varieties, offering a visually enchanting focal point for shady areas of the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Athyriaceae
Synonyms
Japanese Painted Fern, Pictum Fern, Ursula's Red Japanese Painted Fern
Common names
Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Ursula's Red'.
ToxicityTo humans
Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Ursula's Red') is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting this plant, and it is typically not a cause for concern. However, as with any plant material, individual allergic reactions or sensitivity to the plant can occur. If ingested in large quantities, it could potentially cause stomach upset or discomfort.
To pets
Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Ursula's Red') is generally considered non-toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant, and it is not listed among the commonly recognized poisonous plants for pets. However, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and ingestion of plant material can sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of any plant, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Provides ornamental value with its unique red-tinged fronds, enhancing garden design and visual interest.
- Shade Tolerance: Thrives in shaded areas where many other plants struggle, making it ideal for woodland gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Soil Erosion Control: Helps prevent soil erosion in sloped or unstable areas thanks to its spreading, mat-forming habit.
- Wildlife Habitat: Offers shelter and breeding grounds for various insects and small wildlife, boosting local biodiversity.
- Companion Planting: Works well with other shade-loving perennials, enabling dynamic and layered garden compositions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pressed Leaf Art: The striking leaves of Japanese Painted Fern can be preserved by pressing and used in creating botanical artwork for home decoration.
- Photography Subject: The unique color patterns of Japanese Painted Fern make it a popular subject for photographers and nature enthusiasts to capture its beauty.
- Textile Patterns: The intricate frond patterns can be used as inspiration for designs in textiles and wallpaper, offering a natural aesthetic to fabric and home interior products.
- Educational Tool: The variety of ferns, including Japanese Painted Fern, can be used in schools and educational workshops to teach about plant biology and diversity of species.
- Wedding Decor: The elegant foliage of Japanese Painted Fern can be used in wedding bouquets and as table centerpieces for a natural and unique touch.
- Culinary Presentation: While not edible, it can be used as a decorative element to enhance the presentation of gourmet dishes in fine dining experiences.
- Mood Boards: Its striking appearance makes the Japanese Painted Fern a great addition to mood boards created by designers and artists for inspiration.
- Feng Shui: The fern's graceful growth pattern can be used to create balance and a sense of calm in Feng Shui interior layouts.
- Landscape Painting: The plant's form and color are perfect as subjects or as background textures in landscape and botanical painting.
- Miniature Settings: Due to its smaller size, Japanese Painted Fern can be integrated into fairy gardens or miniature scene crafting for an enchanting detail.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiJapanese painted fern is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityJapanese painted fern is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Creativity - The varied and intricate patterns on the fronds of the Japanese Painted Fern, which is the common name of Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Ursula's Red', symbolize complexity and creativity, representing the beauty that can emerge from artistic endeavors.
- Elegance - The delicate structure and the subtle blend of colors in the Japanese Painted Fern's foliage convey a sense of grace and sophistication, making it a symbol of elegance in the garden.
- Subtlety - Unlike other boldly colored plants, the Japanese Painted Fern offers a more subdued beauty with hints of silvery gray and red, symbolizing the virtues of subtlety and refined taste.
- Tranquility - Often found in serene woodland settings, the Japanese Painted Fern is associated with peacefulness and calm, encapsulating the tranquil essence of shaded forest floors.
- Endurance - Ferns are ancient plants that have survived many geological eras, and this resilience makes the Japanese Painted Fern a symbol of endurance and the capacity to thrive despite challenges.
WaterThe Japanese Painted Fern 'Ursula's Red' should be watered regularly to maintain a consistently moist soil, particularly during its growing season in spring and summer. As a general guide, water this fern once or twice a week depending on the climate and weather conditions, ensuring that you provide enough water to soak the soil each time. It is best to measure the amount of water by observing the soil moisture level rather than a fixed volume; however, typically, half a gallon per week should be sufficient for a medium-sized fern. During the dormant period in fall and winter, reduce the frequency of watering but do not allow the soil to completely dry out.
LightThe Japanese Painted Fern 'Ursula's Red' thrives in partial to full shade. This fern prefers a spot that receives dappled sunlight or light shade rather than direct, harsh sunlight. It’s ideal to place this plant in a northern or eastern-facing garden area where it can receive the soft morning light and protection from the intense afternoon sun.
TemperatureJapanese Painted Fern 'Ursula's Red' prefers cooler temperatures and can generally tolerate minimum temperatures down to around 25 degrees Fahrenheit, but it thrives best in temperatures between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not suited to extreme heat and may not survive in temperatures that exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods.
PruningPruning is not regularly required for the Japanese Painted Fern 'Ursula's Red' except for the removal of dead or damaged fronds, which can be done as needed to maintain the plant's appearance. The best time for pruning is in the spring, before new growth begins, to allow for a fresh flush of healthy foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Japanese Painted Fern 'Ursula's Red' prefers a well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix that includes compost, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite will provide the necessary nutrients and drainage.
RepottingJapanese Painted Fern 'Ursula's Red' typically needs repotting every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. It is best repotted in the spring before the onset of the growing season.
Humidity & MistingThe Japanese Painted Fern 'Ursula's Red' thrives in high humidity environments, ideally between 60% to 80%. It benefits from a humid atmosphere, especially if grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in indirect light, maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in shade, keep soil moist, protect from wind.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleJapanese Painted Fern 'Ursula's Red' begins its life cycle as a spore, since ferns do not produce seeds. Once the spore germinates in suitable moist and shaded conditions, it grows into a gametophyte, a small, heart-shaped structure that produces both sperm and eggs. Following fertilization, the embryonic sporophyte begins to develop attached to the gametophyte, eventually becoming independent as it matures. The plant then grows fronds from a central rhizome, with the fronds starting curled up (circinate vernation) and unfurling as they mature. The lifecycle reaches its reproductive phase as the fronds produce spore cases (sori) on their undersides, which, when mature, release spores to initiate the cycle anew. The fern reaches full maturity in a few years and can live for many years, continuously producing fronds and spores each season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Japanese Painted Fern, Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Ursula's Red', is most commonly propagated by division in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. To propagate by division, carefully lift the entire plant from the ground with a shovel, ensuring a good portion of the root system is intact. Gently tease apart the crown of the plant into smaller sections, each with several fronds and a portion of the root system. These divided sections can then be replanted in moist, well-drained soil at the same depth they were previously growing. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them. This method allows for an efficient and straightforward way to produce new ferns that will retain the characteristics of the parent plant.
