Athyrium niponicum Burgundy Lace - Painted Fern

Athyrium niponicum 'Burgundy Lace' is a very pretty variety of lady fern, with highly graphic foliage and changing, refined colours. Its young fronds, blending purple and silver, later turn a silver green shade, with burgundy red veins . This variety, of modest size, develops into a large, gracefully spreading clump and can over time colonise a permanently moist area if the conditions are right. This collectible plant is a gem for surrounding natural ponds or damp woodlands.

The 'Burgundy Lace' lady fern belongs to the Athyriaceae (or Dryopteridaceae) family according to botanical classifications. It is a cultivar that closely resembles the appearance of the wild species Athyrium niponicum var. pictum, native to Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and northern China. Generally slow growing whilst establishing in the garden, this lady fern will reach a height of 30-35 cm (12-14in) with a spread of up to 45 cm (18in) at most. Once established, it becomes rather sturdy.
Athyrium niponicum 'Burgundy Lace' forms a clump with a divergent and spreading habit from a central point. The young fronds appear painted with a mixture of dark red and silver, with metallic reflections. The mature fronds, 25 to 40 cm (10 to 16in) long, are bipinnate, trailing, triangular, and toothed. The rachis, which is the central vein, as well as the stems, are a purple colour. This plant has a trailing, scaly rootstock, with a reddish-brown colour. Its aerial growth is deciduous, disappearing in winter and re-emerging in spring.

Plant Athyrium niponicum 'Burgundy Lace' in humus-rich soil that is preferably moist, neutral to slightly acidic, and well-drained. It is primarily a plant for filtered light or partial shade, where it will reach its full potential in cool woodlands. It also thrives in rockeries with rich soil and partial shade, where it can reach impressive dimensions over time. It pairs beautifully with Corydalis, hostas, Actaeas, Solomon's seals, lily of the valley, brunneras, and trilliums. It adapts well to cultivation in large pots, in shade, with a regular application of fertiliser.