Pink-flushed maidenhair fern

Fern

Adiantum aleuticum ‘Japonicum’

Pink-flushed maidenhair fern

Also known as: Adiantum pedatum 'Japonicum', Adiantum japonicum, Adiantum pedatum 'Roseum', Adiantum pedatum Asiatic form

A delicate, hardy maidenhair fern whose fans of fronds unfurl rosy pink-bronze in spring before turning fresh green.

  • Full shade, Partial shade
  • 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
  • 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
  • H5 · Zone 7
  • Deciduous

Overview

Widely sold as Adiantum pedatum 'Japonicum', this hardy Asian maidenhair has wiry, glossy black stems holding fronds arranged in an elegant horseshoe-shaped fan. In spring the new fronds emerge a lovely pinkish-red to bronze before maturing to soft green, and they turn butter-yellow before dying back in autumn. It is hardy to around -15°C (5°F) and enjoys moist, humus-rich soil in dappled shade, sheltered from drying winds.

At a Glance

Sun Full shade, Partial shade
Height 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
Spread 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
Hardiness H5 · Zone 7
Soil Clay, Loam
Moisture Moist well drained
Habit Clump forming, Spreading
Water Moderate
Maintenance Easy

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature -15°C (5°F)
pH Range 5.5–7.5
Fertility Fertile
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • North-facing
  • East-facing
  • West-facing

Soil Tolerance

  • Clay
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Adiantum aleuticum ‘Japonicum’ (Pink-flushed maidenhair fern)
Persistence Deciduous
Colour Pink, Bronze, Green
Leaf shape / texture pedate_fan
  • Autumn colour
  • Architectural foliage

Foliage interest: April–November

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Foliage
Propagate
  • Foliage Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
  • Propagate Mar Apr

Maintenance Calendar

  • Feb Cut away last year's dead fronds before new ones uncurl, as it is easy to snap the fragile new shoots later
  • Apr Mulch with leaf mould, which keeps the soil cool and moist, just as on a woodland floor
  • Jul Water in dry spells, because maidenhair fronds shrivel quickly in dry soil

Garden Design

Works well in: Japanese / Zen, Woodland / Shade

Plant where spring light can shine through the pink new fronds, such as the edge of a shady path or under a Japanese maple.

Companion planting: Hostas, Epimediums, Hellebores, Japanese maples

Wildlife Value

  • Shelter

Safety

Not known to be toxic.