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Home , Athyrium, Athyrium niponicum, Brunnera, Brunnera macrophylla, Cultivar, Deparia acrostichoides

Plant Evaluation Notes Issue 39, 2015

A Comparative Study of Lady and Japanese Painted Ferns ( spp.)

Richard G. Hawke, Evaluation Manager and Associate Scientist Photo by Richard Hawke Athyrium filix-femina

Lady ferns and Japanese painted ferns of the () Japanese painted ferns has spawned an (Athyrium spp.) are among the most elegant and just a few of the nearly 200 array of new colorful as well as a yet utilitarian for the shade garden. native to temperate and tropical regions few exceptional hybrids with the common Their lacy arch and twist in a graceful worldwide. The common lady fern lady fern. manner, being both structural and ethereal (A. filix-femina) is a circumglobal species at the same time. Ferns stand on their found in moist woodlands, meadows, While common botanical terms such as foliar merits alone, having no to and ravines throughout North America, , stem, and midrib can be used to overshadow their feathery foliage. The lush , and , and is represented in describe fern foliage, specialized terminology green fronds of lady ferns are in marked gardens by a plethora of cultivars—many of further defines fern morphology. The fern contrast to the sage green, silver, and the oldest forms originated in England leaf or is composed of the burgundy tones of the colorful Japanese during the Victorian era. Eared lady fern (stem), blade (leaf), rachis (midrib), and painted ferns. The delicate quality of their (A. otophorum) and Japanese lady fern pinna (leaflet). Crosier or fiddlehead fronds belies their stoutness—they are (A. vidalii) are woodland natives in Japan, describes the coiled frond as it emerges durable and hardy garden plants that , and . Likewise, Japanese from the ground before it unfurls. The lacy can be broadly cultivated successfully painted fern is native to moist shady sites in or feathery texture of fern foliage is due to throughout North America. Japan, China, and Korea. Athyrium niponi- the number of pinnae (plural of pinna) and cum features green foliage, whereas the pinnules, which are the secondary division Lady ferns (Athyrium filix-femina, A. otophorum, naturally occurring variant pictum offers up or subleaflets of a pinna. The division of and A. vidalii) and Japanese painted fern grayish-green fronds with purple midribs. the frond into multiple pinnae is described (A. niponicum var. pictum) are members In the past decade, the popularity of as bi- or tripinnate-pinnatifid, which means 2 Plant Evaluation Notes two to three times divided. Ferns are non- painted ferns feature lance-shaped, bipinnate long-arching to twisted fronds. All species flowering plants that reproduce asexually blades with purple rachises. Cultivars have of Athyrium produce new fronds throughout by , which are contained in capsules been selected for their frond color, which summer and are deciduous in the fall; called sporangia that are often located ranges from silvery to gray-green and is i.e. senescing foliage falls away naturally on the undersides of the fronds. Clusters often suffused with purple or burgundy. before winter. of sporangia are called sori; the shape and Much like -grown plants, -grown position of sori on the frond is important for ferns are variable in foliage coloration and Japanese painted ferns and lady ferns are fern identification. character. The delicateness of the fronds generally easy to grow when correctly of Athyrium spp. is not just about their sited. They prefer moist, well-drained soils Athyrium filix-femina has lance-shaped appearance; in fact, the rachises and stipes in partial to full shade but can tolerate some green fronds with green to reddish stipes are brittle and easily broken. The spores of sunlight. While Japanese painted ferns and rachises. The bipinnate-pinnatifid lady ferns are borne in straight, crescent, grow in full shade, morning sun nicely blades have 20-30 pairs of pinnae, which or J-shaped sori, whereas the sori of enhances the leaf color. Consistent moisture accentuates the feathery texture of the Japanese painted ferns are half-moon is essential for keeping ferns healthy and foliage. Cultivars of lady fern are commonly to J-shaped and are positioned on the lush but even so, fronds of lady ferns may grouped by enhanced foliar traits such as undersides of the fronds. look tattered by summer’s end. Both of crested (Cristatum), crossed (Cruciatum), these ferns should be grown in sheltered and feathery (Plumosum). Crested types Lady ferns have clumping habits with locations to protect their fragile stipes feature fan-shaped tufts or tassels at gracefully arching fronds that arise from and rachises. A heavy rain or irrigation the tips of the pinnae. The pinnae of the stout, upright , giving them a event can beat down the delicate fronds Cruciatum group crisscross along the somewhat formal look. The more organic of Japanese painted ferns, but in a day rachis forming an X-pattern, while the pinnae of Japanese painted ferns is due or two the plants should recover unless of the feathery types are more finely divided to their slowly creeping and branching fronds were broken. Spores germinate giving the fronds a plumed look. Japanese rhizomes, which an irregular patch of readily in the garden, but cultivars will not come true to type from spores. Spring division or -culture is necessary to propagate cultivars.

Japanese painted fern cultivars and hybrids are widely grown and popular garden plants, so much so that var. pictum was the Perennial Plant of the Year in 2004. They are excep- tional as accents or massed in shade gardens, woodlands, and near streams and ponds. And they work wonderfully in container plantings. Japanese painted ferns combine beautifully with bold-leaved perennials such as ( spp.), (Helleborus spp.), toad lilies (Tricyrtis spp.), and ligularias (Ligularia spp.). Their silvery and purple foliage pairs sublimely with the silver heart-shaped of ‘Jack Frost’ and ‘Silver Heart’ buglosses ( macrophylla) or with a of purple-leaved coral bells ( spp.). Lady ferns can be used similarly in shady gardens, either singly or planted in drifts. Their elegant vertical form and lacy texture are equally well-paired with bolder leaves. Japanese painted ferns and lady ferns are listed for USDA Hardiness

Photo by Richard Hawke Zones 5-8, and possibly colder.

Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum Red’ 3 Plant Evaluation Notes Photo by Pat Sommers acrostichoides

The Evaluation Study The Chicago Botanic Garden (USDA Hardi- the study compared the named cultivars mid-afternoon. The well-drained, clay-loam ness Zone 5b, AHS Plant Heat-Zone 5) of A. niponicum var. pictum to determine soil had a 7.5 pH during the trial. evaluated 26 taxa of Athyrium from 2002 the similarities of their foliar traits. to 2014. The comparative study included Maintenance practices were kept to a min- Deparia acrostichoides, which was received Three plants of each were planted imum, thereby allowing the plants to thrive as Athyrium thelypteroides, the previous side-by-side for easy comparison of or fail under natural conditions. Water was name for this taxon. Each taxon was eval- ornamental traits and landscape perfor- provided via overhead irrigation as needed uated for a minimum of four years but due mance. Initially, the naturally shaded trial and the trial beds were top-dressed to the protracted trial period, many were beds received either no sunlight or varying with composted mulch once each summer. grown for up to 12 years. The goal of the levels of filtered sunlight throughout the Moreover, plants were never fertilized or project was to identify outstanding lady day. In 2006, the loss of a mature river winter mulched. Beginning in 2004, trial ferns and Japanese painted ferns for exposed a portion of the trial site to beds were surrounded by a 24-inch tall upper midwestern gardens. In addition, western sun for several hours beginning in fence of hardware cloth to exclude rabbits. 4 Plant Evaluation Notes

The Performance Report The trial began in the spring of 2002 with The majority of taxa in the trial received a pictum ‘Soul Mate’, A. otophorum, and A. the planting of Athyrium niponicum var. pictum five-star excellent rating or a four-star good vidalii received lower ratings for various rea- and seven cultivars and hybrids including rating for their overall performance. Top- sons such as heat- and drought-stressed ‘Branford Beauty’, ‘Branford Rambler’, rated plants displayed consistently attractive foliage, winter losses, and/or weak growth. ‘Ghost’, ‘Pictum Red’, ‘Silver Falls’, ‘Ursula’s foliage, robust habits throughout each Red’, and ‘Wildwood Twist’. An additional 18 growing season, and winter hardiness The ferns were generally adapted to the soil taxa were added to the trials in subsequent during the evaluation term. The five-star and environment of the test site, as long as years up to 2008. All plants were evaluated plants included Athyrium ‘Branford Beauty’, their cultural needs were met. Droughty for their cultural adaptability to the soil A. ‘Branford Rambler’, A. ‘Ghost’, A. conditions occurred in most years of the and environmental conditions of the test filix-femina, A. filix-femina ‘Encourage’, A. trial, resulting in wilted foliage, leaf scorch, site; disease and pest problems; winter filix-femina ‘Victoriae’, A. filix-femina ssp. and/or foliar desiccation on many taxa. hardiness or survivability; and ornamental cyclosorum, A. niponicum var. pictum Symptoms were more pronounced on taxa qualities associated with foliage and plant ‘ Court’, A. niponicum var. pictum that received afternoon sunlight following habit. Final performance ratings are based ‘Pewter Lace’, A. niponicum var. pictum the removal of the mature river birch that on foliage and habit quality, plant health and ‘Regal Red’, and Deparia acrostichoides. had provided much of the shade for the trial cultural adaptability, and winter hardiness Only five taxa, Athyrium filix-femina site (see Table 1). After the loss of the in during the trial period. Plant traits and final ‘Plumosum Axminster’, A. filix-femina 2006, midsummer wilting was commonly performance ratings are shown in Table 1. ‘Vernoniae Cristatum’, A. niponicum var. observed in subsequent years during hot,

Table 1: Observed plant traits and performance ratings Overall Growth Trial Light Rating1 Athyrium Foliage Color Form Height Width Years Exposure2 HHHHH A. ‘Branford Beauty’ light silvery green, purple clumping 18 in. 40 in. 2002-2014 Z HHHHH A. ‘Branford Rambler’ bright green, purple spreading 25 in. 40 in. 2002-2014 Z HHHHH A. ‘Ghost’ silvery green, purple clumping 30 in. 36 in. 2002-2014 Z HHHH A. ‘Ocean’s Fury’ light yellow-green, bronze clumping 37 in. 40 in. 2007-2014 m HHHHH A. filix-femina bright green clumping 33 in. 44 in. 2003-2014 Z HHHH A. filix-femina ‘Dre’s Dagger’ bright green clumping 20 in. 36 in. 2005-2014 b HHHHH A. filix-femina ‘Encourage’ light green clumping 22 in. 40 in. 2004-2014 b HHHH A. filix-femina ‘Frizelliae’ green clumping 10 in. 22 in. 2003-2014 b HHH A. filix-femina ‘Plumosum Axminster’ -green clumping 29 in. 50 in. 2007-2014 b HHH A. filix-femina ‘Vernoniae Cristatum’ bright green clumping 24 in. 44 in. 2003-2014 b HHHHH A. filix-femina ‘Victoriae’ green clumping 25 in. 36 in. 2003-2014 b HHHHH A. filix-femina ssp. cyclosorum green clumping 36 in. 39 in. 2008-2014 b HHHHH A. niponicum ‘Pictum Red’ silvery green, green, purple spreading 20 in. 32 in. 2002-2014 Z HHHHH A. niponicum var. pictum silvery green, dark red spreading 19 in. 32 in. 2002-2014 Z HHHHH A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Apple Court’ silvery green to green, purple spreading 24 in. 36 in. 2004-2014 Z HHHH A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Burgundy Lace’ purple, silvery green spreading 15 in. 27 in. 2003-2014 b HHHHH A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Pewter Lace’ bright silvery green, purple spreading 18 in. 30 in. 2005-2014 Z HHHH A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Red Beauty’ silvery green, purple spreading 16 in. 32 in. 2005-2014 Z HHHHH A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Regal Red’ silvery green, purple spreading 16 in. 24 in. 2008-2014 Z HHHH A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Silver Falls’ bright silvery green, purple spreading 16 in. 28 in. 2002-2014 b HHH A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Soul Mate’ silvery green, purple spreading 11 in. 14 in. 2004-2014 b HHHH A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Ursula’s Red’ silvery green, green, purple spreading 18 in. 30 in. 2002-2014 Z HHHH A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Wildwood Twist’ silvery green, purple spreading 20 in. 30 in. 2002-2014 b HH A. otophorum gray-green, burgundy clumping 10 in. 22 in. 2004-2009 b HHH A. vidalii green-yellow spreading 12 in. 22 in. 2010-2014 Z HHHHH Deparia acrostichoides (syn. A. thelypteroides) green clumping 20 in. 34 in. 2008-2014 Z

1 Overall Ratings: HHHHH excellent, HHHH good, HHH fair, HH poor, H very poor 2 Light Exposure in the Trial Site: Z full shade; b mid-afternoon sun; m morning sun, afternoon shade 5 Plant Evaluation Notes

Table 2: Weather summary for 2002-2014 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Lowest temperature °F (°C) -5(-21) -5(-21) -9(-23) -2(-19) -8(-22) -10(-23) -6(-21) -17(-27) 0(-18) -7(-22) 2(-17) -3(-19) -16(-27) Lowest temperature date 3/4 3/4 1/30 12/7 2/18 3/5 1/20 1/16 1/3 2/10 1/21 1/22 1/6 Highest temperature °F (°C) 101(38) 98(37) 93(34) 100(38) 100(38) 96(35) 93(34) 96(35) 97(36) 102(39) 105(41) 96(35) 91(33) Highest temperature date 7/21 8/22 6/6 6/24 7/31 7/9 7/17 8/9 7/23 7/20 7/5 7/18 7/17 Number of growing season daysa 146 150 155 158 143 196 181 175 177 192 165 185 186 Number of days below 0°F (-18°C) 1 4 10 2 2 11 16 8 16 5 0 3 24 Number of days above 90°F (32°C) 30 15 5 24 15 20 6 7 6 22 40 15 5 Last frost date 5/21 5/4 5/3 5/4 5/7 4/16 4/30 4/18 4/28 4/21 4/24 4/20 4/16 First frost date 10/14 10/1 10/5 10/23 10/12 10/28 10/28 10/10 10/22 10/30 10/6 10/22 10/19 Annual rainfall in inches (cm)b 33.6(85.3) 31.7(80.5) 35.5(90.2) 24.4(61.9) 42.5(107.9) 41.0(104.1) 49.5(125.7) 38.8(95.5) 35.6(92.5) 48.2(122.4) 31.1(78.9) 39.1(99.3) 42.5(107.9) Annual snowfall in inches (cm)c 37.6(95.5) 15.6(39.6) 27.2(69.1) 44.4(112.7) 23.4(59.4) 38.5(97.8) 78.5(199.4) 28.8(75.2) 51.8(131.6) 35.3(89.7) 23.4(59.4) 40.3(102.4) 66.4(168.7) aNormal growing season: 162 days bAverage rainfall: 37.4 inches (94.9 cm) cAverage snowfall: 34.7 inches (88.1 cm) Data collected at Chicago Botanic Garden weather station Latitude: 41°51’N. Longitude: 87°37’W. Altitude: 578.74 ft. (176.4m)

droughty periods, affecting anywhere from niponicum var. pictum ‘Pew ter Lace’, crown injury was noted on A. filix-femina several taxa up to 65 percent of the plants A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Red Beauty’, ‘Dre’s Dagger’ (2006-07) and A. filix-femi- at any time. Irrigation or rainfall during these A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Regal Red’, na ‘Frizelliae’ (2004-05). A summary of dry periods alleviated stress and promoted A. vidalii, and Deparia acrostichoides. weather data during the trial period is the production of new fronds. Athyrium filix-femina ‘Dre’s Dagger’ was noted in Table 2. grown in afternoon sun but no wilting Beginning in 2006, taxa that suffered some was observed. In general, the lady ferns and Japanese injury due to drought or too much sunlight in painted ferns exhibited superior foliage two or more years included Athyrium Rabbit browsing was a significant problem quality and habit traits. With few excep- filix-femina ‘Encourage’, A. filix-femina ‘Frizelli- in 2002 and 2003, and a minor issue in early tions, plants formed robust clumping or ae’, A. filix-femina ‘Plumosum Axminster’, A. spring 2004. Varying levels of browsing rhizomatous habits in the second or third filix-femina ‘Vernoniae Cristatum’, A. damage was observed on ‘Branford Beauty’, year. Foliar quality remained exceptional filix-femina ‘Victoriae’, A filix-femina ssp. ‘Branford Rambler’, ‘Burgundy Lace’, as long as plants received adequate cyclosorum, A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Ghost’, ‘Pictum Red’, ‘Silver Falls’, ‘Ursula’s soil moisture and appropriate light levels. ‘Burgundy Lace’, A. niponicum var. pictum Red’, and ‘Wildwood Twist’. ‘Vernoniae Cultural and pest issues such as leaf scorch- ‘Silver Falls’, A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Soul Cristatum’ was the only of ing, wilting, and rabbit browsing affected Mate’, A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Wildwood A. filix-femina browsed during this time. ornamental displays at various times during Twist’, and A. otophorum. Several taxa A wire fence was erected around the the trial period. growing in full shade throughout the trial original test site in 2004 to exclude rabbits; had some wilting and foliar desiccation no damage was noted in later years. The foliar and habit characteristics of from drought noted in two or more years, Athyrium niponicum var. pictum ‘Apple Athyrium ‘Branford Beauty’ are interme- including A. ‘Branford Beauty’, A. ‘Branford Court’ was browsed by deer in 2009. diate between Japanese painted fern Rambler’, A. filix-femina, A. niponicum and lady fern. The upright habit and fine- ‘Pictum Red’, A. niponicum var. pictum, A. Crown injury or plant losses in winter were textured leaves of this resemble the niponicum var. pictum ‘Apple Court’, and uncommon and infrequent occurrences lady fern, while the colorful arching and A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Ursula’s Red’. during the trial. Plant losses in one or more curved fronds are like Japanese painted Athyrium ‘Ocean’s Fury’ was the lone tax- years were observed for Athyrium filix-femina fern. ‘Branford Beauty’ was more uniformly on grown in morning sun and afternoon ‘Plumosum Axminster’ (two plants killed in silver-green than other cultivars—early pur- shade, and was wilted in one year only 2007-08 and one plant killed in 2009-10); ple highlights faded quickly and the leaves during a dry period. No heat or drought A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Soul Mate’ were a bit darker green along the purple stress was observed on a number of taxa (one killed in 2007-08) and A. otophorum rachis as they aged. ‘Branford Beauty’ was grown in full shade including A. ‘Ghost’, A. (one killed in 2007-08). In addition, minor similar in habit to ‘Ghost’ but not as upright. 6 Plant Evaluation Notes Photo by Richard Hawke Athyrium ‘Branford Rambler’

Athyrium ‘Branford Rambler’ was essentially ‘Ghost’ had a strong vase-shape with fern resembled a shuttlecock with graceful the opposite of ‘Branford Beauty’, with distinctly upright fronds. This hybrid fern upright fronds arising from a short, vertical the spreading habit of Japanese painted was slower to emerge in the spring than . Lady fern was slow to establish fern and the green foliage of lady fern. The Japanese painted ferns. ‘Ghost’ was the first year in the garden but was vigorous bright green leaves had a purple rachis generally not as affected by heat or drought the second summer. Although it was and purple venation in the lower pinnae. Its as other ferns, but suffered severe rabbit occasionally stressed by heat and drought irregular branching rhizome formed a large browsing in 2003. in midsummer, it showed good heat mass over time. ‘Branford Rambler’ resistance in 2007 during an especially hot, remained fairly compact until the third The description of Athyrium ‘Ocean’s dry period. Lady fern prefers moist, shady summer when it began spreading. In Fury’—silver-leaved with a red rachis—did locations protected from wind and sun, August, lush growth created a two-tiered not match the yellow-green fronds with and produces new fronds throughout the effect as erect new fronds stood above the reddish bronze rachises that we observed. growing season. horizontal older fronds. Although it was The leaf color was consistent every year periodically affected by drought, it was and was likely influenced by the amount of Athyrium filix-femina ‘Dre’s Dagger’ is noted as being the best looking fern in late sunlight received—it was grown in morning purportedly a sport and dwarf version of August 2010 after a period of severely dry sun and afternoon shade after 1 p.m. ‘Victoriae’, but was not significantly smaller weather. Significant rabbit browsing was ‘Ocean’s Fury’ had a frothy texture because in size than it in the trial. The fronds had noted in 2002 and 2003. of the tasseled tips of the pinnae and crested tips and the pinnae were arranged fronds. Its robust bushy habit was the in a distinctive crisscross pattern that The shuttlecock habit of Athyrium ‘Ghost’ largest in the trial at 37 inches tall and 40 formed Xs along the rachis. Its vase-shaped comes from the lady fern, while its foliage inches wide. Minor foliar burn and heat habit featured strongly arched fronds with color is akin to Japanese painted fern. stress was observed in some years. nodding tips; the pinnae and fronds were The silvery green fronds were similar to but narrower than ‘Victoriae’. ‘Dre’s Dagger’ lighter in color than ‘Branford Beauty’. Athyrium filix-femina—lady fern—featured had slight crown damage in the winter of The fiddleheads emerged purple but only bright green leaves with a feathery 2006-07. Despite being exposed to full sun the rachis and some veins held the purple appearance due to the tripinnate division of in mid-afternoon, ‘Dre’s Dagger’ did not coloration when the fronds were unfurled. the frond. The clump-forming habit of lady have any heat or drought issues. 7 Plant Evaluation Notes

Athyrium filix-femina ‘Encourage’ was The broad, lacy lime-green leaves of one of the top performers in the trial. Athyrium filix-femina ‘Plumosum Axminster’ All pinnae were tasseled or crested at the gave it a softer appearance compared to tips, giving the light green fronds a frilly the species, and its vase-shaped habit was look. Slow to develop the first summer, consistently good. ‘Plumosum Axminster’ ‘Encourage’ had a robust, vase-shaped was grown in two test sites—full shade habit by the second year and was particu- or morning shade and afternoon sun. larly densely robust in the fourth year. The plants in full shade did not exhibit Plants were in full sun by 3 p.m. so some any leaf scorching or desiccation during leaf scorching was occasionally observed hot weather, although they suffered in July and August. ‘Encourage’ is a selec- significant losses in the winters of 2008-09 tion of ‘Vernoniae Cristatum’. and 2009-10. Plants in morning shade and afternoon sun were occasionally Athyrium filix-femina ‘Frizelliae’, com- scorched in late summer. monly called tatting fern, had a unique foliar structure compared to other Athyrium filix-femina ‘Vernoniae Cristatum’ cultivars. Rounded green pinnae with had bright green leaves and a broadly toothed margins were borne along the vase-shaped habit like the species, but green rachis, somewhat reminiscent of each plant contained a mix of tasseled a string of beads. ‘Frizelliae’ is a dwarf fronds and regular unadorned fronds. Due form with slender fronds and an arching to the two foliage types, the plants were not vase-shaped habit. Plants remained small as lacy overall as other crested forms such and open until the third year in the trial. as ‘Encourage’. It was typically one of the Following the loss of the river birch in earliest lady ferns to emerge in the spring. 2006, these plants went from growing in Unfortunately, plants were consistently full shade to receiving full afternoon sun. stressed by heat and afternoon sunlight, Minor foliar desiccation was noted in 2006 resulting in desiccated foliage during the and 2008. Although reputedly prone to summer in most years from 2006 onward. Photo by Richard Hawke reversion, ‘Frizelliae’ remained true to type ‘Vernoniae Cristatum’ originated in England Athyrium ‘Ghost’ throughout the trial. in the late 1800s.

Athyrium filix-femina ‘Victoriae’ is another Victorian-era selection of lady fern. Victoria fern’s similarity to ‘Dre’s Dagger’ was indisputable—both featured slender green pinnae that crisscrossed along the rachis and nodding fan-shaped tips. The robust vase-shaped habit with upright, arching stems received high scores every year of the trial beginning in the third summer. De- spite some late-season leaf scorch in 2008 and 2010, ‘Victoriae’ was a consistently vigorous fern.

Athyrium filix-femina ssp. cyclosorum— western lady fern—entered the trial in 2008 and filled out quickly its first year. By the third year it had developed into a robust, vase-shaped plant and grown to be one of the largest ferns at 36 inches tall and 39 inches wide—only ‘Ocean’s Fury’ was slightly larger. Western lady fern had large green fronds that tapered at both ends.

Photo by Richard Hawke Like other lady ferns, the older fronds were Photo by Richard Hawke Athyrium filix-femina ‘Encourage’ Athyrium filix-femina ‘Victoriae’ 8 Plant Evaluation Notes Photo by Richard Hawke Athyrium niponicum var. pictum ‘Red Beauty’ often tattered in late summer but new the veins and along the rachis. Browning the pinnae. Plants were unaffected by heat fronds were produced throughout the sea- fronds within the plants were not uncom- stress or scorch until 2007 when the plot son. Grown in afternoon sun, plants had mon, especially later in the season and was exposed to more sunlight. Minor heat minor scorch in midsummer during in droughty periods. New fronds were stress and leaf scorch issues were noted droughty periods. Given that western lady produced all season, which helped in 2007 and 2008 but were a moderate to fern grows naturally in wet, shady habitats maintain dense habits. In midsummer severe problem in 2010. where it can get up to 6 feet tall, the plants 2010, all plants were flattened due to heat in our trial performed admirably well under stress and drought but rebounded well in Athyrium niponicum var. pictum ‘Pewter less than ideal conditions. September during a period of heavy rainfall. Lace’ was closest in foliar coloration to ‘Burgundy Lace’ in the early season. The Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum Red’ is a Athyrium niponicum var. pictum ‘Apple new fronds emerged purple but aged name of no botanical standing but was in Court’ featured the same silvery sage green silver-green with purple highlights on the the trial because it is commercially avail- and purple coloration of var. pictum but with lower portion of the pinnae along the purple able. Foliar color was variable among the tasseled and forked frond tips and crested rachis. The irregularly arched fronds and plants but its traits were closest to ‘Ursula’s pinnae. The fronds became greener by late mounded habit were comparable to other Red’. Fronds emerged purple and aged to July but the rachis remained purple. ‘Apple cultivars. No rabbit damage, drought stress, silvery sage green with a darker green Court’ had a bushy upright habit in all years. or scorch was observed during the trial. to purple-tinged zone near the base of the The plants grew well in full shade during the pinnae along the purple rachis. Like other early years; some leaf scorch was occa- The fronds of Athyrium niponicum var. taxa in the trial, plants suffered periodically sionally noted after 2006 despite no change pictum ‘Red Beauty’ emerged green with from heat and drought stress but rebounded in light exposure. Most fronds were browsed a purple rachis and developed a silvery quickly after being watered. by deer in early July 2009. overlay with a reddish cast on the lower third of each pinna. Some green fronds In our trial, the three plants of Athyrium The leaves of Athyrium niponicum var. were always present within each plant, niponicum var. pictum—Japanese painted pictum ‘Burgundy Lace’ were the darkest although one plant was predominately fern—were variable in their foliage color but purple and remained purple longer than green. ‘Red Beauty’ had the typical mound- were especially colorful compared to the other cultivars. New fronds emerged com- ed habit with irregularly arching fronds. Like cultivars. Young fronds were mostly deep pletely purple before developing silvery tips ‘Pewter Lace’, there was no rabbit damage, red with silvery green tips that eventually and finally fading to light silvery green with a drought stress, or leaf scorch observed faded to silvery green with hints of red in purple-flushed green zone at the base of during the trial. 9 Plant Evaluation Notes

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum ‘Regal The leaves of Athyrium niponicum var. Athyrium vidalii—Japanese or Vidal’s Red’ featured light sage green fronds with a pictum ‘Ursula’s Red’ were quite similar lady fern—persisted in the trial but was purple rachis and a red-purple zone along in coloration to ‘Pictum Red’ but looked never a strong or vigorous grower. Few the rachis; the fronds emerged deep purple. more silvery from a distance. The upper fronds were produced each year, so The contrast between the red-purple at the two-thirds of each pinna was silvery green plants remained small with loose one-sided center of the frond and the silvery outer re- and the lower third was darker green with habits. The red-tinged crosiers were gion was striking. ‘Regal Red’ had a vase- a purplish cast. Its slowly spreading habit attractive as they emerged in spring, shaped habit with arched, slightly twisted and irregular arching fronds were typical and summer foliage was greenish yellow fronds, and was not troubled by rabbits, of the species. Fronds were browsed by with reddish brown rachises. Plants were drought, or heat stress. rabbits in 2003 and 2004 before exclu- healthy although minor chlorosis was sion fencing was erected in mid-spring occasionally observed. The bright silvery leaves of Athyrium nipon- of 2004. Plants were flattened by droughty icum var. pictum ‘Silver Falls’ featured purple conditions in midsummer in several highlights near the base of the pinnae along years but rebounded nicely in late sum- the purple rachises. The foliar character of mer following heavy rains. ‘Silver Falls’ was similar to ‘Wildwood Twist’ except that the unfurling fronds were silvery Despite its name, Athyrium niponicum purple, and the outer fronds remained var. pictum ‘Wildwood Twist’ did not upwardly arched, whereas the fronds of exhibit any distinctive foliar twisting apart Wildwood Twist’ draped on the ground. from the curved apex that is common to the Drought stress in July of 2007 and 2010 flat- fronds of most cultivars. New fronds were tened the plants and exposed the crowns but bronze-colored until completely unfurled, rain in August helped the plants to rebound. and became silvery gray-green with some purple along the rachis. The irregular habit Athyrium niponicum var. pictum ‘Soul Mate’ featured a mix of erect and low, arching had silvery green leaves with small tassels fronds that touched the ground at the at the ends of the pinnae and purplish perimeter. ‘Wildwood Twist’ was similar in rachises. Plants were in partial sun from leaf color to ‘Silver Falls’ but was not as the beginning of its trial in 2004, so some brightly colored. It suffered from excessive desiccated foliage was observed in all heat and drought stress in July of 2007 and years of the trial. The loss of natural shade in 2010, resulting in open to flattened habits. 2006 only exacerbated the problem. The All fronds were rabbit browsed in 2003. weak performance of ‘Soul Mate’ was solely attributed to incorrect siting. Vase-shaped — eared lady fern—had gray-green leaves with burgundy rachises in summer. New leaves were pale green to creamy yellow and were continually produced during the growing season. This was the only fern that Photo by Richard Hawke struggled throughout its trial period. The Athyrium niponicum var. pictum ‘Ursula’s Red’ original plants were thought to be dead af- ter the first winter of 2004-05, but eventual- Deparia acrostichoides—silvery glade ly sprouted in midsummer 2005. The habit fern—was received in the trial as Athyrium of emerging late was observed in subse- thelypteroides, a name by which it was quent years. Although the original plants long known. The three plants struggled persisted, they were weak so new plants after planting in 2008 but by the second were acquired in 2007 to restart the trial. summer had grown into robust vase- The second group was healthy and robust shaped plants with fine-textured green throughout 2007, but plants lacked vigor foliage. The upright fronds had silvery sori after emerging in subsequent springs until on the undersides of the leaves, which eventually all plants died over the winter of is the origin of the common name. Plants 2009-10. Winter hardiness likely contribut- were grown in full shade throughout the ed to the weak growth and poor perfor- trial period. Deparia acrostichoides is

Photo by Jessie V. Stevens Photo by Jessie V. mance; many references cite A. otophorum native to eastern North America, and Athyrium niponicum var. pictum ‘Silver Falls’ as cold-hardy to Zone 6. is similar in appearance to A. filix-femina. 10 Plant Evaluation Notes

Summary The deficiencies of the trial garden aside, the majority of Japanese painted ferns and lady ferns were grown successfully over the course of a long period. Of the 26 Athyrium taxa evaluated from 2002 to 2014, 21 received the highest marks. Beyond determining cultural adaptability to the growing conditions of the trial site, another of the study’s goals was to ascertain the similarities between the named selections of Japanese painted fern.

The top-rated ferns displayed consistently attractive foliage, robust habits, and winter hardiness. The five-star plants included Athyrium ‘Branford Beauty’, A. ‘Branford Rambler’, A. ‘Ghost’, A. filix-femina, A. filix-femina ‘Encourage’, A. filix-femina ‘Victoriae’, A. filix-femina ssp. cyclosorum,

A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Apple Court’, Stevens Photo by Jessie V. Athyrium ‘Branford Beauty’ A. niponicum ‘Pictum Red’ A. niponicum var. pictum A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Pewter were grown. Foliar quality and health was Lace’, A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Regal maintained as long as plants received References Red’, and Deparia acrostichoides. Five adequate soil moisture and appropriate Armitage, A.M. 2008. Herbaceous Perennial taxa—A. filix-femina ‘Plumosum Axmin- light levels. Winter hardiness was generally Plants, Third Edition. Champaign, IL: Stipes ster’, A. filix-femina ‘Vernoniae Cri- not an issue for the evaluation group—only Publishing L.L.C. statum’, A. niponicum var. pictum ‘Soul Athyrium filix-femina ‘Plumosum Axminster’ Mate’, A. otophorum, and A. vidalii— suffered plant losses in two winters. Mickel, J.T. 2003. Ferns for American received low ratings due to heat- and Gardens. Portland, OR: Timber Press, Inc. drought-stressed foliage, winter losses, The uniqueness of each Japanese painted and/or weak growth. fern cultivar was often indiscernible at Olsen, S. 2007. Encyclopedia of Garden a glance. Planting the cultivars side-by- Ferns. Portland, OR: Timber Press, Inc. There were few inherent shortcomings of side helped to distinguish the sometimes the ferns related to plant vigor or ornamental subtle foliar differences. Variations in , G., editor-in-chief. 2006. American quality. Most problems observed were the leaf coloration and markings among the Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of result of the cultural issues of the trial three plants of Athyrium niponicum var. Perennials. , NY: DK Publishing, Inc. garden such as too much sunlight or dry pictum were not unexpected as this soils. Even the weakest taxa, such as is not a clonal variety. Although the Athyrium otophorum, would likely have verification of every cultivar was not done much better if grown in a shady site definitive, we were comfortable that the The Plant Evaluation Program is supported by the Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society with adequate soil moisture. The loss of a foliar and habit traits generally matched and the Searle Research Endowment. shade tree in 2006 greatly impacted the literature descriptions. © health and vigor of many of the ferns Plant Evaluation Notes are periodic publications of the Chicago Botanic Garden. in the following years. Droughty periods Japanese painted ferns and lady ferns and afternoon sunlight resulted in wilted are elegant plants for shady places. Their For more information or copies of back issues, contact foliage, leaf scorch, and/or foliar desiccation, feathery fronds provide texture in a variety the Plant Evaluation Program, Chicago Botanic Garden, which took its toll on health and ornamental of colors to contrast and complement 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022 quality at various times. Despite this dramatic other perennials. Providing what they need or visit adverse change in cultural conditions, the to grow—moist, well-drained soils in partial chicagobotanic.org/research/plant_evaluation. majority of the ferns thrived except in the to full shade—ensures they stay healthy driest of times. While planting these ferns and ornamental all summer. With few in a sunny location is not recommended, exceptions, these reliable and long-lived The Chicago Botanic Garden is one of the treasures most performed admirably given the less ferns are well-suited to a variety of gardens of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. than ideal circumstances where they and landscapes.