Pewter Lace Japanese Painted Fern

‘Pewter Lace’ is a deciduous Japanese painted fern selected for metallic pewter-silver fronds and a dark purple-burgundy rachis. It forms a low, rounded clump with softly arching, finely divided foliage, suited to shaded borders, woodland edges, and containers where its changing spring color can be seen up close ([TERRA NOVA® cultivar profile](https://www.terranovanurseries.com/product/athyrium-pewter-lace/); [Chicago Botanic Garden trial](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/downloads/planteval_notes/no39_ferns.pdf)). ## Placement and growing conditions Plant in part shade to full shade in fertile, moisture-retentive soil with good drainage. Keep the soil evenly moist through warm weather; drying can cause fronds to decline or the plant to enter dormancy. Young fronds may emerge purple, age to silver-green with purple highlights, and become greener as temperatures rise. Allow roughly 1–2 ft for the mature clump, while recognizing that size depends on site and growing conditions. ## Seasonal character The strongest pewter and purple contrast appears in spring and early season. This cultivar is valued for foliage and produces no showy flowers. Its deciduous fronds die back for winter dormancy. ## Maintenance Water during dry weather and renew mulch to moderate soil moisture. Trim tired fronds in late winter or early spring before new fronds unfurl. Divide established clumps in spring if propagation is needed. The cultivar is clonal; the breeder identifies it as a selected plant reproduced vegetatively. Terra Nova lists U.S. Plant Patent PP15721.