How big does Japanese painted fern grow?

About 45 cm × 55 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–60 cm × 45–60 cm.

Is Japanese painted fern hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How much water does Japanese painted fern need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Japanese painted fern cost?

It sells for roughly €9 to €12 in local shops, depending on size.

Japanese painted fern

Athyrium niponicum

Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum) is a perennial that reaches 45 cm × 55 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €9.

Illustration of Japanese painted fern — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Japanese painted fern is a low, arching fern usually sold in its painted forms: the fronds are silvery grey with a green wash and burgundy midribs, and are at their most colourful in spring. Plant it in shade or part shade in humus-rich soil that stays moist without being waterlogged, where it really brightens dark corners. It is deciduous and late to come up in spring, so mark its spot; in direct sun and in soil that dries out the fronds scorch.

Watch out for

It has no serious pests or diseases. In Central Europe the hot, dry summer is its weak point: the fronds brown in sun and in soil that dries out, and the colour fades to green in the heat, so plant it in shade, mulch it and water it in drought.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: High
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 45 cm × 55 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	45 cm × 55 cm
Ultimate size	30–60 cm × 45–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	no data
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €9

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-30 cm	approx. €9
size not stated	approx. €12

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Perennials for part shade Plants for containers Low-maintenance perennials