Athyrium niponicum Ursulas Red - Painted Fern

Athyrium niponicum 'Ursula's Red', more commonly known as the lady fern 'Ursula's Red', is a magnificent cultivar with highly graphic fronds variegated with burgundy and silver. Of medium size, this variety can quickly colonise a permanently wet area if the conditions are right. This collector's plant is a gem for surrounding a natural pond or damp woodlands.

The lady fern 'Ursula's Red'  belongs to the Athyriaceae (Dryopteridaceae) family. It is a cultivar of Athyrium niponicum, native to Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and northern China. Generally growing quite slowly to establish in the garden, this fern will reach a height of 40 cm (16in) with a spread of 45 cm (18in). Once established, it becomes quite robust.
Athyrium niponicum 'Ursula's Red' forms a branching clump from a central point. The fronds of this fern, ranging from 25 to 45 cm (10 to 18in) long, are bipinnate, deciduous, pendulous, triangular, and toothed. The rachis (central vein) and the stems have a purple hue. It has a scaly, reddish-brown, running rootstock.

Plant 'Ursula's red' Athyrium niponicum in humus-rich soil, that is moist to fresh, neutral to slightly acidic, but well-drained.  The foliage will tend to deteriorate and dry out if the soil becomes too dry.  This perennial will thrive in not too dense shade or in a semi-shade.  It prefers a sheltered situation away from strong winds.  If one wishes to accelerate the growth of this plant, it is essential that it is planted soil that remains moist throughout the season. Its growth will then go from slow to almost fast. The foliage slowly dries out from November onwards, but it should not be cut before the end of March, as it protects the stump. During the first year of cultivation, it is necessary to ensure young plant  are watered to help them to establish. This fern may be susceptible to rust.

Athyrium niponicum 'Ursula's Red' is primarily a plant for dappled light and moist soil, or for partial shade that will reach its full potential in very damp woodlands or around water features. It also thrives in rockeries with rich soil and partial shade. It pairs beautifully with hostas, acteas, 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.

This original variety was created by Ursula Hertz (South Carolina), hence the name 'Ursula's Red'.