Fern - Athyrium nipponicum 'Burgundy Lace'

Though not a major food source for wildlife, 'Burgundy Lace' can provide shelter for small insects and creatures in the garden. It is not typically attractive to deer or rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens where browsing animals are an issue.

'Burgundy Lace' is a deciduous fern, meaning it dies back in the winter and re-emerges in the spring. The fern provides interest from late spring through fall, offering colorful fronds that change hues throughout the growing season.

Woodland and shade gardens

Borders and understory plantings

Containers in shaded areas

Mixed foliage displays or as a contrast plant

The fronds of 'Burgundy Lace' are its standout feature. They are delicate, finely divided, and grow in a lush, arching habit. The fronds start with a silvery-green color, accented with burgundy veins and a purple tint along the stems. As the season progresses, the deep burgundy intensifies, creating a striking contrast against the silvery tones of the foliage. Each frond can reach 12-18 inches in length.

As a fern, Athyrium nipponicum 'Burgundy Lace' does not produce flowers. Its appeal comes from its vibrant, ornamental foliage.

• When to Plant: Plant in early spring or fall, allowing the fern to establish roots before the onset of extreme heat or cold.

• How to Plant: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant with the crown at soil level. Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow room for the fronds to spread and arch gracefully.

Pruning is minimal with 'Burgundy Lace'. Simply remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring to tidy up the plant and encourage healthy new growth. Once the foliage dies back in the fall, you can cut it down to the ground in preparation for winter.

'Burgundy Lace' prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil. It thrives in environments with high humidity and regular watering, especially in the first year after planting. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, but also ensure the soil doesn’t become waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.

This fern performs best in partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens and shaded borders. It can tolerate filtered sunlight but will show its best color and growth in shaded locations. In areas with hot summers, it benefits from afternoon shade to prevent scorching.

While there is no need to harvest 'Burgundy Lace', the delicate fronds can be cut and used in floral arrangements or as accents in bouquets. Cut fronds when they are fully mature and place them in water immediately.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a layer of compost. Ferns do not require heavy feeding, but a light application of organic matter each year will encourage lush, healthy growth.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

• Soil: 'Burgundy Lace' prefers rich, organic, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It thrives in consistently moist environments and does well in soils with good drainage.

• Disease Resistance: This fern is generally resistant to pests and diseases, though overly wet conditions may lead to root rot or fungal issues. Ensure the planting area has good drainage to prevent waterlogged soil.

As a fern, Athyrium nipponicum 'Burgundy Lace' does not produce flowers and therefore does not require pollination. It reproduces via spores, which are produced on the undersides of its fronds.

Shade-Tolerant Perennials:

• Hosta (e.g., ‘Halcyon’, ‘Sum and Substance’, ‘Patriot’): Broad-leaved texture and foliage color contrast beautifully with fern fronds
  
• Heuchera (Coral Bells): Rich purple, red, or silver foliage pairs well with the burgundy tones
  
• Brunnera macrophylla (e.g., ‘Jack Frost’): Heart-shaped silver-veined leaves and small blue spring flowers
  
• Tiarella (Foamflower): Lacy foliage with delicate blooms adds texture and softness
  
• Pulmonaria (Lungwort): Speckled foliage and early spring flowers in blue, pink, or white
  

Flowering Shade Plants:

• Astilbe (e.g., ‘Visions’, ‘Fanal’): Feathery plumes provide upright bloom structure in part shade
  
• Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart): Elegant arching flowers over finely cut leaves
  
• Tricyrtis (Toad Lily): Unique, orchid-like blooms that bloom late in the season in shade
  
• Anemone x hybrida (Japanese Anemone): Tall fall-blooming flowers that add vertical accents
  

Grasses & Groundcovers for Texture:

• Carex (Sedge) varieties: Arching foliage in green, bronze, or gold tones complements the fern's form
  
• Epimedium: Hardy groundcover with attractive foliage and dainty spring flowers
  
• Ajuga reptans: Spreads in shade with dark leaves and blue flower spikes in spring