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Japanese painted ferns pair nicely next to hostas

Homeowners often mistakenly believe it is impossible to have colorful gardens in shady areas in their landscapes. They may believe ground covers planted in rings around the bases of trees or massed in large beds are their only options for landscaping. But beautiful shade gardens are as easy as choosing plants with brightly-colored foliage and striking texture.

Japanese painted ferns offer both. Sold botanically as Athyrium niponicum var. pictum or Athyrium niponicum Pictum, they add color and texture galore to shade gardens. Burgundy stems and veining highlight silvery, blue-green, lacy fronds. They have an arching habit and grow up to 18 inches tall and slightly wider. Athyrium niponicum Pictum was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 2004 by the Perennial Plant Association.

Surprisingly easy to grow, Japanese painted ferns prefer moist, well-drained soil that has been amended with lots of organic matter. I have found them to be drought-tolerant when planted in compost-rich soil. Give them a spot in part to full shade that is sheltered from winds that may damage their fronds. They are rarely bothered by pests or disease.

There are more cultivars of Japanese painted ferns similar in size and habit and equally beautiful.

When the fronds of Burgundy Lace unfurl in spring, they are colored soft burgundy with silver streaking. As the season progresses, foliage matures to silvery gray-green with a stunning, wide, purple stripe in the center highlighted by burgundy stems.

Ursula's Red is noted for its silvery fronds with reddish stripes in their centers, the color deepening near frond tips.

Wildwood Twist features smoky, gray-green fronds. Mature foliage develops a slight twist along the length of fronds.

Choose a favorite variety and plant some in a shade garden. Fine-textured fronds are accentuated delightfully when they are planted next to large-leaved shade lovers like hostas and coral bells. Create subtle, smoldering combinations when Japanese painted ferns are combined with blue-foliaged hostas or dramatic designs when they are planted beside hostas with gold leaves. Coral bells with purple foliage draw attention to the burgundy-red coloring in their fronds.

Japanese painted ferns also thrive in a shaded spot next to a stream. Partner them with black snakeroot (Cimicifuga racemosa), meadow rue (Thalictrum aquilegifolium) and Ligularia Britt Marie Crawford.

They are regular residents in my shady containers where their colorful foliage brightens designs. Cut some fronds to add an unexpected, but beautiful, element to cut flower arrangements.

Japanese painted ferns create a tapestry of color and texture in the garden or containers. Head out to your favorite garden center and check them out today.

• Diana Stoll is a horticulturist, garden writer and speaker. She blogs at gardenwithdiana.com.

This combination of shade-loving perennials is colorful without a single flower.
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