Why Plant Japanese Painted Fern?
Got shade? Liven it up with the colorful fronds of Japanese Painted Fern. This perky Spirit makes shady spaces sparkle. Who needs flowers? It works its magic with foliage alone. Each lacy frond is “painted” with a wash of cool mint green, then frosted with an overlay of metallic silver and accented with rich burgundy and purple pigment along the midribs. And you thought ferns were just green! Plant Japanese Painted Fern in a woodland garden or on the north or east side of your home to give it shelter from the hot sun, and it will reward you with lush, bright foliage all season long.
Ferns are ancient Spirits that existed with and long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Before there were flowering plants, there were ferns, and they took the shape of ground-covers, shrubs, and trees. Even today, ferns give an intriguing primitive feel to the landscape like no other plant can. They make a space seem quiet and serene, providing a welcome escape from your stressful modern day-to-day routine. This species of fern is native to not only Japan but also Korea, Taiwan, and northern China. The especially colorful “Painted” form probably originated in Japan long ago.
How to use Japanese Painted Fern in the landscape?
In 2004, the Perennial Plant Association picked Japanese Painted Fern as its Perennial Plant of the Year. It is the only fern to have ever received this honor. Recipients are chosen based on their adaptability, ease of growth, beauty through multiple seasons, and resistance to pests and diseases.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 5-8
How To Plant Japanese Painted Fern
Although Japanese Painted Fern is one tough Spirit, treating it well will reap rewards. This means giving it a premium spot in the landscape where it will receive gentle morning sun or dappled sunlight throughout the day. It needs shade when the sun is hottest. This fern also appreciates rich, organic soil that holds some moisture but drains well and doesn’t stay soggy after a rain. Regular irrigation is important for lush growth, especially if plants are competing with tree roots for water. It will spread slowly like a ground-cover when happy. Japanese Painted Fern goes completely dormant in winter, coming to life again in mid-spring.
How To Water
Japanese Painted Ferns thrive off of a consistent moderate watering schedule to promise best results. When this Painted Fern becomes more established they can tolerate short periods of time without water.
How To Fertilize
Fertilizing the Japanese Painted Fern should take place in the spring, but this routine isn't as rigorous as any other plant. We recommend using our Elements Starter Plant Food to help give your plant that extra boost it might need.
How To Prune
Pruning your Japanese Painted Fern should be done in the early spring to trim off any winter damage. Cut off some healthy pretty pieces to add to any flower arrangement for some extra spice.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
