Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Silver Falls'

This fern is deciduous so all its fronds will die back in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again each spring.

• Position: full or partial shade
• Soil: moist, fertile, neutral to acid soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This deciduous fern will slowly spread by underground rhizomes to form low clumps or finely divided green leaves, which look like they have been heavily dusted with silver. The beautiful colouring is made even more dramatic by the dark marron midribs. The colour is best in spring, especially when planted in partial shade. Provided it gets reliable moisture, it is very easy to grow in neutral to acidic soils. Use it as underplaning in a woodland garden wher it will naturalise well, or leave it to spill over the edges of a shady path.
  
  
• Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted leaf mould, composted pine needles or garden compost into the planting hole. In cold areas in late autumn protect the crown of the plant with a dry mulch of straw or bracken.