Athyrium 'Regal Red'

Athyrium niponicum 'Regal Red': Royal Velvet Fern

Richly coloured and deeply textured, Athyrium 'Regal Red' is a regal presence in the shade garden. Its finely divided fronds shimmer in tones of pewter and green, but it's the intense red-maroon colouring at the centre of each frond that sets this fern apart. The contrast between the cool silvery edges and warm, velvety midribs gives the plant a jewel-like quality. With its elegant arching habit and bold colouring, it adds a refined flourish to woodland borders and shaded containers alike.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: None (foliage plant)
• Flowering Period: N/A
• Foliage: Silvery green with deep red-purple central ribs and stems
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: 'Regal Red' excels as a foliage feature in shady beds, along woodland paths, or as a dramatic filler in container groupings. It adds visual depth and colour contrast, especially when paired with golds, blues, or crisp whites. This fern’s compact size makes it easy to tuck between larger perennials or edge pathways with elegance. Deer resistant and reliably perennial, it's a vibrant and low-maintenance addition to shade plantings.

Companion Plants: Highlight the velvety red tones of Athyrium 'Regal Red' with the textured blue-green leaves of Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd', the bold, upright blades of Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold', and the airy white plumes of Astilbe 'Bridal Veil'. This refined combination brings balance, contrast, and elegance to shaded borders and woodland gardens.

Care Instructions: Maintain evenly moist soil, especially during hot periods. Enrich soil annually with compost or leaf mould to encourage lush growth. Remove old fronds in early spring before new growth unfurls. Plant in a sheltered location to protect from wind and strong afternoon sun. Division is optional and best done in early spring.

History: A refined selection from the Japanese painted fern group, 'Regal Red' was bred for its richly coloured stems and intensified central markings. Its heritage traces back to Athyrium niponicum, a species native to eastern Asia and treasured for its ornamental foliage.

Final Thoughts: Lush, layered, and unmistakably regal, Athyrium 'Regal Red' adds depth and colour sophistication to the shade. It’s a fern that turns quiet corners into richly textured focal points—subtle in movement, yet bold in hue.