Athyrium nipp. 'Ursula's Red' P9

Athyrium nipponicum ‘Ursula’s Red’ – a beautifully coloured Japanese painted fern, prized for its silvery fronds brushed with soft burgundy-red through the centre. Forming elegant clumps 45–60 cm tall and wide, it brings light and contrast to shaded planting schemes without overwhelming its neighbours.

The finely divided fronds emerge in spring with richer reddish tones before maturing to silver-grey with deep wine-coloured stems, giving months of layered colour and texture.

Thrives in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial to full shade, where its colouring is at its best. Ideal for woodland borders, underplanting shrubs, or pairing with Hostas and dark-leaved perennials. Low-maintenance and reliable, it provides season-long interest and subtle drama in shaded corners.

Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons