{"product_id":"athyrium-niponicum-metallicum-marginal-pond-plants-bp016","title":"Athyrium niponicum 'Metallicum' - Marginal Pond Plants - BP016","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAthyrium niponicum 'Metallicum'\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as Japanese Painted Fern, is a striking deciduous fern renowned for its metallic, silvery-grey fronds with burgundy stems. This elegant fern is perfect for adding texture and subtle colour to shaded gardens, woodland settings, and container displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAthyrium niponicum 'Metallicum' grows to a height of 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) with a spread of 45–60 cm (18–24 inches). Its arching fronds display intricate patterns of silver, green, and a hint of purple, creating a metallic sheen that catches the light beautifully. The contrasting burgundy stems add further visual interest, making this fern a standout feature in shaded areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis deciduous fern emerges in spring, retains its ornamental foliage through summer, and dies back in autumn, reappearing the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAthyrium niponicum 'Metallicum' thrives in partial shade to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It performs best in slightly acidic to neutral soils and tolerates a range of garden conditions, provided the soil remains consistently moist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis fern is hardy in the UK, tolerating frost and thriving in temperate climates, making it a reliable addition to woodland gardens and shaded borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePropagation and Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAthyrium niponicum 'Metallicum' is propagated by division:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDivision:\u003c\/strong\u003e In early spring, divide established clumps, ensuring each section has roots and buds. Replant the divisions immediately in prepared soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Space plants 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart to allow for their spreading habit and to promote good airflow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoutine care includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeeping the soil consistently moist, particularly during dry periods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApplying a layer of mulch annually to retain moisture and enrich the soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemoving dead fronds in late autumn to tidy the plant and prepare for winter dormancy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrnamental:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAthyrium niponicum 'Metallicum' is an excellent choice for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and rock gardens. Its striking metallic fronds pair beautifully with shade-loving plants like Hostas, Heucheras, and other ferns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContainer Planting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis compact fern thrives in pots and containers, where its unique foliage can be displayed up close, adding elegance to patios or shaded balconies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGround Cover:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen planted in groups, it forms an attractive, low-maintenance ground cover for shaded areas, enhancing the garden's texture and visual appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEcological Value\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAthyrium niponicum 'Metallicum' contributes to biodiversity by providing shelter for small insects and creating a microhabitat in shaded areas. Its dense foliage also helps retain soil moisture and improve garden ecosystems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsiderations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMoisture Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Regular watering is essential for healthy growth, especially during dry spells. Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e While it tolerates deep shade, the best metallic sheen develops in dappled or partial shade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow Maintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e This fern requires minimal care beyond regular watering and the occasional division of mature clumps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSummary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAthyrium niponicum 'Metallicum' is an eye-catching, low-maintenance fern that brings elegance and subtle colour to shaded gardens. Its unique metallic fronds, compact growth habit, and adaptability make it a versatile choice for borders, woodland settings, and containers. Whether used as ground cover, a focal point, or part of a mixed planting scheme, Japanese Painted Fern adds a touch of refinement and texture to any shaded garden setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose Athyrium niponicum 'Metallicum'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAthyrium niponicum 'Metallicum', commonly known as the \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese Painted Fern\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a stunning deciduous fern prized for its silvery-metallic foliage with striking burgundy highlights. Perfect for shaded borders, woodland gardens, or containers, this elegant fern adds texture, color, and sophistication to any garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e1. Stunning Metallic-Silver Foliage\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe fronds of 'Metallicum' feature a captivating metallic silver sheen with soft green edges and contrasting burgundy-red midribs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis eye-catching coloration makes it a standout in shaded gardens, adding brightness and texture to darker spaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e2. Elegant, Delicate Form\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe finely divided fronds form a graceful, arching habit, creating a soft and feathery texture that enhances garden plantings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIts low, mounding growth habit makes it an excellent choice for ground cover or as an accent plant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e3. Thrives in Shaded and Moist Conditions\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrefers partial to full shade, thriving in woodland gardens, shaded borders, or underplanting shrubs and trees.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerforms best in consistently moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, making it ideal for damp garden areas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e4. Low Maintenance and Hardy\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThis hardy and resilient fern requires minimal care, apart from occasional mulching to maintain soil moisture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt is pest and disease-resistant, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e5. Wildlife-Friendly\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhile not typically consumed by wildlife, its dense foliage provides cover for small creatures, contributing to the ecological balance of shaded gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIts presence enhances the naturalistic appeal of woodland and shade gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e6. Versatile Garden Use\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for shady borders, woodland gardens, or containers where its metallic tones add an elegant touch.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCombines beautifully with other shade-loving plants such as hostas, heucheras, and astilbes for a lush and layered effect.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30–45 cm (12–18 inches)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Metallic silver fronds with burgundy-red midribs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Partial to full shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAthyrium niponicum 'Metallicum' is a sophisticated and low-maintenance fern that brings unique color and texture to shaded areas. Its stunning silvery fronds and elegant habit make it a must-have for enhancing the beauty and elegance of any garden space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"font-size: large; text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Lincspplants","offers":[{"title":"1 \/ 7cm","offer_id":56445018505593,"sku":"BP016-plug","price":2.6,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 9cm","offer_id":56445018538361,"sku":"BP016-9cm","price":6.8,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 \/ 9cm Potted","offer_id":56445018571129,"sku":"BP016-9cmpot","price":8.8,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 \/ 1Ltr","offer_id":56445018603897,"sku":"BP016-1ltr","price":10.72,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 \/ 1Ltr Potted","offer_id":56445018636665,"sku":"BP016-1ltrpot","price":12.67,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 \/ 3Ltr","offer_id":56445018669433,"sku":"BP016-3ltr","price":19.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 \/ 3Ltr Potted","offer_id":56445018702201,"sku":"BP016-3ltrpot","price":23.4,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 \/ 2 x Pot \u0026 2 x Compost","offer_id":56617046901113,"sku":"sku-52177490870619","price":24.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 \/ 7cm","offer_id":56617046770041,"sku":"MP016-Plug-3x","price":7.41,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 \/ 9cm","offer_id":56617046802809,"sku":"MP016-9cm-3x","price":19.38,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 \/ 1Ltr","offer_id":56617046835577,"sku":"MP016-1Ltr-3x","price":30.55,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 \/ 3Ltr","offer_id":56617046868345,"sku":"MP016-3Ltr-3x","price":55.58,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0966\/8263\/9737\/files\/Athyrium-niponicum-Metallicum-01-scaled.jpg?v=1767532391","url":"https:\/\/mgmgardening.com\/products\/athyrium-niponicum-metallicum-marginal-pond-plants-bp016","provider":"MGMgardening","version":"1.0","type":"link"}