Truly ornamental, Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Metallicum' (Japenses Painted Fern) is a very elegant deciduous fern forming a pretty rosette of arching, strikingly refined, lance-shaped, bipinnate fronds. The fronds are silvery gray, almost metallic, with green highlights and subtle burgundy veination. Slowly spreading, this fern is perfect for lightening up a dark or shady garden area. Low maintenace, pest and disease free. A part to full shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, humus-rich, medium moisture, well drained soils.