Melinda's Garden Moment Radio Tips
Melinda Myers
Nationally known gardening expert, TV/Radio host, author & columnist with over 30 years of horticulture experience and tons of gardening information to share! www.melindamyers.comMelinda's Garden Moment videos will help you create that beautiful landscape you’ve always wanted. Each week throughout the growing season, a new gardening video will be added right here, so be sure to stop back. You can also watch Melinda’s Garden Moments on your local network TV station affiliate.
Brighten the shade with the creamy fronds of Pearly white Japanese painted fern (Athyrium nipponicum ‘ Pictum Pearly White’).
Its creamy appearance is due to the unique coloration of the fronds. The outer edges are light green and centers on each frond are white. Grow this beauty in filtered shade for best results. The light-colored leaves will burn in direct sun and color may fade in the heavy shade.
Pearly white Japanese painted fern grows 15 to 18 tall and wide and is hardy in zones 4 to 9. It combines nicely with hostas, coral bells, Solomon’s seal, groundcovers and other shade lovers.
Plant it in organically rich well-drained soil. Water thoroughly as needed to prevent the soil from drying. Spread a one- to two-inch layer of shredded leaves, evergreen needles or other organic mulch over the soil surface. The mulch will help to keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.
A bit more information: The term frond describes a fern leaf. It consists of a stalk that attaches to the main structure of the plant. The individual leaf structure is known as pinna and pinnae when referring to more than one.