Fern - Athyrium nipponicum 'Pewter Lace' - Pewter Lace Japanese Painted Fern

While ferns do not attract pollinators like flowering plants, they can provide shelter for small insects and contribute to the overall biodiversity of your garden. The dense foliage offers hiding spots for beneficial insects and other small wildlife. Ferns are also resistant to deer and rabbits, making them ideal for gardens in areas with heavy wildlife browsing.

• Seasonality: Deciduous; dies back in winter and regrows in spring.
• Flowering Season: Ferns do not produce traditional flowers. Instead, they reproduce via spores, which appear on the undersides of the fronds in late summer.

Shade gardens and woodland borders

Container combinations in shady areas

Understory plantings beneath trees or shrubs

Accent foliage in mixed perennial beds

The fronds of Pewter Lace are intricately divided, with a soft silvery-gray color that is accented by hints of purple along the central veins. The finely textured fronds form a mounded, arching shape, making the plant perfect for adding a touch of elegance to shaded garden beds or containers. In the fall, the fronds may take on a bronze tint before the plant dies back for winter.

Athyrium is a true fern, and ferns do not produce flowers. Instead, they reproduce through spores.

• Planting Season: Best planted in early spring or fall, when temperatures are cool, allowing the plant to establish its roots before the growing season or winter dormancy.

• Soil Requirements: Prefers rich, well-drained, consistently moist soil. Amending the soil with organic matter like compost will improve moisture retention and fertility.

• Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for mature spread and to create a lush, mounded appearance.

Planting Instructions:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
2. Place the fern in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface.
3. Backfill with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly.
4. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning is minimal for Pewter Lace. In late fall or early spring, cut back any dead or damaged fronds to allow for new growth. This will help keep the plant tidy and encourage healthy regrowth in the next season. Ferns do not require regular pruning, as they maintain their natural form without much intervention.

Pewter Lace prefers consistently moist soil and should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, as this fern thrives in well-drained environments. Regular watering is important, particularly in the first growing season to establish a healthy root system.

Thrives in partial to full shade. Pewter Lace does best in locations with dappled sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. Too much direct sunlight may cause the foliage to scorch, while full shade will maintain the vibrant silver tones.

There is no need for harvesting, as Pewter Lace is primarily grown for its ornamental foliage. However, fronds can be cut for use in floral arrangements, adding texture and elegance to indoor displays.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage. A second light feeding in mid-summer can help maintain the plant’s vigor throughout the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth at the expense of the plant’s delicate appearance.

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

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Pewter Lace is generally resistant to pests and diseases. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overly wet conditions to prevent fungal issues.

• Winter Care: In colder climates, the fern will die back in winter and regrow in spring. No special winter protection is needed, but applying a layer of mulch over the root zone can help protect against freezing temperatures.

• Ferns reproduce asexually through spores, not through seeds and pollination.
  
• Spores form in small structures called sori located on the underside of mature fronds.
  
• These spores are released into the air and germinate under the right moist, shaded conditions without pollinators.
  
  

Foliage Companions:

• Hosta (e.g., ‘June’, ‘Blue Mouse Ears’, ‘Frances Williams’)
  ➤ Contrasting bold leaves and shades of blue, gold, or green balance the fern’s fine texture
  
• Heuchera (Coral Bells, e.g., ‘Obsidian’, ‘Silver Scrolls’, ‘Lime Rickey’)
  ➤ Adds rich or bright foliage color contrast and varying leaf shapes
  
• Brunnera macrophylla (‘Jack Frost’, ‘Looking Glass’)
  ➤ Silver-marbled foliage echoes the fern’s tones; spring blue flowers are a bonus
  
• Pulmonaria (‘Trevi Fountain’, ‘Silver Bouquet’)
  ➤ Spotted or silvery leaves with pink or blue blooms in early spring
  
• Carex (e.g., ‘Evergold’, ‘Ice Dance’)
  ➤ Grass-like texture adds movement and contrast beneath the fern’s arching fronds
  

Flowering Shade Plants:

• Astilbe (‘Sprite’, ‘Visions’, ‘Bridal Veil’)
  ➤ Feathery blooms and upright form contrast fern texture and add seasonal bloom
  
• Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart)
  ➤ Elegant arching flowers above soft foliage pair beautifully with ferns
  
• Tiarella (Foamflower)
  ➤ Dense, low-growing foliage with spring flowers and excellent textural harmony
  
• Anemone x hybrida (Japanese Anemone)
  ➤ Tall, late-blooming flowers for vertical interest in shade
  
• Trillium or Epimedium (Barrenwort)
  ➤ Native woodland choices for early spring color and naturalistic plantings