The Perennial Plant Association has named the lovely Japanese painted fern, Arthyrium niponicum 'Pictum' as the perennial plant of the year for 2004.
Low-maintenance, 'Pictum' grows best in part-to full shade in well drained, compost rich soil where moisture and humidity are plentiful.
The fronds show their best colour in light shade, and are a soft, metallic, silver-grey with hints of red and blue.
'Pictum" grows 18" tall and can form a clump 24" wide.
The PPA suggests combining Japanese painted fern with Bleeding Heart, Astilbe, Hostas and Coral Bells.
Low-maintenance, 'Pictum' grows best in part-to full shade in well drained, compost rich soil where moisture and humidity are plentiful.
The fronds show their best colour in light shade, and are a soft, metallic, silver-grey with hints of red and blue.
'Pictum" grows 18" tall and can form a clump 24" wide.
The PPA suggests combining Japanese painted fern with Bleeding Heart, Astilbe, Hostas and Coral Bells.
