The Japanese painted fern is said by some to be the most beautiful foliage plant in the world. I’m inclined to agree with that bold statement, given the variety of color and shades in a single frond. I also enjoy how these hues change and evolve as the plant grows. Come fall, these will turn a creamy yellow, sometimes almost a pale white, ghostly echoes of the green and teal and gray and maroon tints you can find on them now.
Ferns like this provide a visual cooling system for the garden when the days get hot and bothered. That hasn’t happened much this year, but their beauty is still appreciated, and they are hardy and reliable perennials that can withstand a total takedown by rabbits or groundhogs and rebound before the season is completely done.
