Fern - Athyrium niponicum 'Apple Court'

Provides habitat and cover for insects, amphibians, and other woodland organisms

Not a nectar or pollen source but contributes to garden biodiversity in shaded environments

Spring: new fronds unfurl in vibrant silver-green with purple stems

Summer: peak foliage display with strong color contrast

Fall: fronds fade and die back to the crown

Winter: dormant, crown rests underground until spring

– Woodland gardens, shaded borders, foliage gardens, rock gardens, mixed plantings with Hostas or Heucheras, accent for shaded containers

• Arching, finely divided fronds with striking silver-gray to apple-green centers and purple to burgundy midribs
  
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  Creates a painterly, shimmering effect that is highly ornamental in shaded gardens
  
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  Deciduous; fronds die back in winter and return in spring
  

None; ferns reproduce by spores rather than flowers

• Plant in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil; amend with compost or leaf mold before planting
  
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  Site in partial to full shade, ideally in a sheltered woodland or shaded border
  
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  Plant crown at soil level, spacing 18–24 inches apart to allow arching fronds to spread naturally
  
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  Mulch with shredded leaves or bark to retain soil moisture and mimic natural forest conditions
  
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  Best planted in spring or early fall for strong root establishment
  

Cut back old fronds in late fall or early spring before new fronds emerge

Remove any damaged fronds during the growing season to maintain neat appearance

Needs consistently moist soil, especially during hot summer months

Avoid waterlogging but never allow soil to fully dry out

Mulch helps retain moisture around the root zone

Prefers partial to full shade; ideal under dappled trees or on the north/east side of buildings

Too much sun will scorch delicate fronds, though filtered morning sun can enhance foliage colors if soil is consistently moist

Occasionally fronds may be cut for floral or foliage arrangements, though delicate

Not typically harvested for regular use

Benefits from organic mulching or top-dressing with compost or leaf mold in spring

Avoid heavy fertilizer applications; light feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring is sufficient

• Ferns reproduce by spores, not flowers; no pollination required
  
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  Spores appear in sori (clusters) on the underside of fertile fronds during summer
  

Works beautifully with other shade perennials such as Hosta, Heuchera, Tiarella, Brunnera, and Pulmonaria

Combines well with Astilbe, Primula, and Dicentra for soft, layered plantings

Other ferns such as Dryopteris and Osmunda provide textural contrast

Complements dark-foliaged shrubs or Hydrangeas for striking foliage pairings