Athyrium 'Burgundy Lace'

Athyrium 'Burgundy Lace': Smoky Plum Filigree

Striking and sophisticated, Athyrium 'Burgundy Lace' is a deciduous fern that brings dramatic colour contrast to shaded borders. Its lacy fronds emerge in tones of smoky silver flushed with deep burgundy and purple, their intricate structure catching the light and elevating any woodland setting. More than just a foliage filler, this cultivar holds its colour through the season and forms a graceful, upright clump with refined presence. A strong performer in moisture-retentive shade, it’s both deer resistant and beautifully low maintenance.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 40–60 cm 
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: None (foliage plant)
• Flowering Period: N/A
• Foliage: Silvery grey with burgundy veins and stems
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: Perfect for shady beds, understorey plantings, or as a textural accent in containers, 'Burgundy Lace' shines when paired with contrasting foliage. It offers season-long colour in areas where blooms are fleeting, and works well in woodland gardens, shaded borders, or along north-facing foundations. Its deeply coloured stems add vertical interest and draw attention even in dim light, making it a standout in layered, foliage-driven designs.

Companion Plants: Pair Athyrium 'Burgundy Lace' with the matte, heart-shaped leaves of Asarum canadense, the compact silver-blue curves of Hosta 'Mini Skirt', and the jagged foliage and bicolour blooms of Tiarella 'Cutting Edge'. Together, they weave a woodland tapestry of bold texture and cool-toned contrast, ideal for intimate shade borders or shady path edges.

Care Instructions: Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially in summer. Enrich with compost or leaf mulch annually to encourage lush growth. Avoid dry sites and ensure protection from strong winds. Remove withered fronds in early spring to make room for new growth. Division is rarely needed but can be done in spring if desired.

History: A selection from the Japanese painted fern lineage, Athyrium 'Burgundy Lace' is a standout cultivar bred for its intense colour contrast and refined texture. Its lineage traces back to Athyrium niponicum var. pictum, a species native to eastern Asia and long admired for its ornamental qualities.

Final Thoughts: With its moody hues and intricate texture, 'Burgundy Lace' adds drama and depth to the quiet corners of the garden. Whether softening a shady path or bringing polish to a container, this fern delivers refined structure and unexpected colour with effortless charm.