Athyrium 'Regal Red'

Athyrium 'Regal Red': Wine-Red Hearts Framed in Silver

Burgundy in the middle, silver around the edges, red stems underneath. 'Regal Red' looks like it was raised by a family with a summer house and a crest. YOUR SHADE GARDEN JUST MARRIED UP.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Regal Red'
• Common Name: Japanese Painted Fern
• Height: 45 cm (18 in)
• Spread: 60 cm (24 in)
• Flowers: None. Ferns reproduce by spores.
• Foliage: Finely cut fronds, deep red to burgundy in the centre and bright silver at the edges, on red stems. Deciduous.
• Features: Colourful foliage

Where to Plant: It's compact enough for the front of a shade border, along a path or in a container on a shady patio. Plant it in groups for a ribbon of red and silver, or use it as a colourful filler between larger plants.

Companion Plants: Pair the wine-red centres of 'Regal Red' with white flowers and big leaves in a moist, shady bed. Sanguinaria canadensis opens pure white bloodroot flowers at 15 to 25 cm in April and May. Heuchera FOREVER® 'Purple' adds deep purple foliage at 25 to 30 cm. Hosta 'Royal Standard' brings bright green leaves and fragrant white flowers at 50 to 65 cm in August and September. Carex grayi adds glossy blades at 60 to 90 cm with spiky, mace-like seed heads.

Plant Care: Plant it in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil in part shade or bright shade. Light shade brings out the best colour. Avoid hot afternoon sun, which bleaches and scorches the fronds. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the first summer. Add compost or leaf mulch each year. It dies back after frost; cut the old fronds down in early spring. Divide in spring if the clump gets crowded.

History: Who selected 'Regal Red' hasn't been confirmed, but its species, Japanese painted fern, is native to Japan, Korea, Taiwan and northern China. The species was the Perennial Plant Association's Perennial Plant of the Year in 2004, and gardeners have been selecting more colourful forms ever since.

Final Thoughts: Tuck it beside your hostas and watch the whole bed sit up a little straighter. Low effort, high status. ALL HAIL THE FROND.