Athyrium niponicum Crested Surf (Japanese Painted Fern)

Athyrium niponicum ‘Crested Surf’ (Japanese Painted Fern) is an unusual deciduous fern forming a rosette of arching, silvery fronds with doubly branched or crested tips. The leaflets are tinged with red and silver.

Athyrium niponicum 'Crested Surf' (Japanese Painted Fern) is an unusual deciduous fern forming a rosette of arching, silvery fronds with doubly branched or crested tips. The leaflets are tinged with red and silver. Vigorous, this Crested Japanese Painted Fern is easy to grow and lovely when paired with hostas and heucheras.

  • Grows up to 20-22 in. tall (50-55 cm) and 28-30 in. wide (70-75 cm).
  • Thrives in part to full shade, in fertile, humus-rich, neutral to moderately acidicmoist, but well-drained soils. Provide a sheltered location.
  • This plant is a great choice for shady beds and borders, cottage gardens, woodland gardens.
  • Low maintenance, virtually pest and disease free. Rabbit resistant.
  • Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
  • Propagate by division in spring

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Athyrium – Lady Ferns
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 30″ (75cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Clay Soil, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage