Tuesday, March 22, 2011

ABC Wednesday - J is for Japanese Fern


Please use the ABC Wednesday logo, at left, to be able to view other posts during this "J" week.

I'm sure you could join this meme at any week. Perhaps you should!
:-)



Japanese Painted Fern
Athyrium niponicum 'pictum'
Light: Part Sun, Shade; Zones: 4-9; Plant Type: Perennial; Plant Width: 1-2 feet wide; Landscape Uses: Containers, Beds & Borders, Ground cover; Special Features: Attractive Foliage, Tolerates Wet Soil, Easy to Grow.
This fern type prefers moist, well-drained to loamy soils. They will tolerate dry soil, and they will tolerate some sun if they have ample water.

Remove dead foliage in early winter or early spring. New growth will come up from ground each year.
Good companion plants would include astilbe, heartleaf brunnera, columbine, coral bells, ginger, hosta, lenten rose (hellebore), ligularia, lilyturf, black snakeroot, or sweet woodruff.


Japan
There were three strong quakes Tuesday the 23rd near Japan. Here is a link to details.

May our thoughts, prayers and able assistance continue for the people of Japan, Christchurch, New Zealand, and all people who have experienced natural disasters around the world in recent days, months, and years. This link is provided by the USGS, listing the latest earthquake activity in the past seven days.

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13 comments:

  1. AllysonMarch 23, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    I've found Japanese Fern perfect for those dark places in the shady garden, it really brings in some light.

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  2. Roger Owen GreenMarch 23, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    Yes, the earthquake was problematic, but the tsunami was the real killer.
    My thoughts with the folks of Japan.
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  3. Kit Aerie-elMarch 23, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    These ferns are so beautiful.
    My heart goes out to all those affected by the disasters in Japan.

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  4. Diana StuderMarch 23, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    Thanks for the link to the Japanese news service. Think of the farmers there, cannot sell their produce because it is radioactive. Can't export it. Can't eat it. Can't drink the water. Earthquake and tsunami damage can with time be sorted, but the nuclear power plant, that is truly frightening.

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  5. Shady GardenerMarch 23, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    Thank you for leaving your comment, Allyson. :-)

    Hi Ms. Burrito, I'll be over.

    Roger, I understand that completely, but when you consider the sheer number of additional earthquakes registering 6 or so ...

    Hi Aeriel, I love this fern. It's an easy-to-care-for perennial. :-)

    Elephant's Eye, This is the worst of it, I think. This is what we, as human beings, do to ourselves and our neighbors.

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  6. Chloe mMarch 24, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Thanks for the link...it is scary to realize how many earthquakes actually occur without us knowing.

    I love Ferns of all types. This one has a lovely foliage. I have not ventured into growing them since my yard is mostly sunny. I could try one on the North side of my house after my husband is done working on that. I don't want to plant things only to have them be pounded by ladders.

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  7. Shady GardenerMarch 24, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    Rosey, I was amazed when I looked that link over, too.

    I understand what you mean, but perhaps there's a corner? You truly would love this little fern! :-)

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  8. AllysonMarch 24, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    What a wonderful visual link to what's happened/happening in Japan. After reading everyone's comments I will never be able to look at this plant the same way... As I work in the garden I will be reminded to pray and support the re-building efforts in Japan. Thank you all for sharing!

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  9. Shady GardenerMarch 24, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    Hi Allyson, One of the most special aspects of gardening is the ties plants have to people, places and situations. Several of my plants have come from people - and I'll always remember the specifics. This plant will tie me to Japan and natural disasters everywhere - hopefully reminding me to be aware of situations outside that of my own realm.

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  10. MerylMarch 24, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    I am curious why it's called a 'painted' fern...

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  11. Shady GardenerMarch 24, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    Hi Meryl, I'm going guess that because most ferns are leaf-green, and this one is whitish grayish purplish, it may look as though it's been painted. :-) Thanks for your visit!

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  12. Patrick's GardenMarch 25, 2011 at 12:23 AM

    Hey Meryl
    I'm just starting to grow japanese ferns. I'm very excited about a new Athyrium named 'Ghost' from Plant Delight's Top 25 List. It's a cross between the traditional japanese fern and the Southern Lady Fern. It stands "rigidly" at 2' to 3' high. Should offer great designer possibilities with heucheras and the smaller japanese fern.

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  13. Shady GardenerMarch 25, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    Patrick, I have this 'Ghost' fern. It's great and it's a beautiful tall plant! :-)

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