Yes, Burgundy Lace is a fern - specifically a variety of Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Burgundy Lace'). It produces the characteristic lacy, arching fronds typical of ferns rather than flowers. Plant it in shaded, moist areas where it will spread naturally.

Burgundy Lace Painted Fern

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Burgundy Lace'

Nature Hills Nursery

Silvery-Green Fronds with Striking Burgundy Midribs Transform Your Purple Fern Garden
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Top Pick for Border in Rock Gardens

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Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This fern thrives in full shade to partial shade, ideally receiving only filtered light or gentle morning sun. Avoid direct afternoon sun as it will scorch the delicate silvery-purple fronds and cause the vibrant colors to fade.
Soil: Plant in rich, organic soil that mimics a forest floor. If you have heavy clay, mix in compost or leaf mold to improve drainage, or use a raised bed to prevent the "wet feet" that can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water twice a week to keep the soil consistently moist while the root system settles in. Once established, the Burgundy Lace Painted Fern is more resilient, but it still requires supplemental water during dry spells to prevent the foliage from crisping at the edges. If the soil dries out completely, the plant will likely go dormant early to protect itself from stress.

Pruning Tips

This fern is deciduous, meaning it will naturally die back to the ground after the first hard frost. In late winter or very early spring before new growth appears, simply snip away the dead, brown fronds from the previous year. This "spring cleaning" makes room for the new "fiddleheads" to emerge unobstructed and keeps the plant looking tidy and vibrant.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer or a layer of rich compost in early spring just as the new fronds begin to unfurl. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this can force tender new growth that won't be hardy enough to survive the upcoming winter freezes.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Gorgeous color combination for your shaded gardens! The Burgundy Lace Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Burgundy Lace') is a show-stopping Fern with its contrasting leaves of silvery green and purple midribs on elegant, lacy and frilly fronds!

New growth is ultra finely-toothed and textured and the most intriguing silvery-purple and burgundy! The fronds then mature to a silvery-green with that same vivid purple as a colorful midrib. Elegant and graceful, yet tough and resilient, Burgundy Lace will fill your shaded garden spaces in lush color and texture!

A variety of Japanese Painted Fern, it spreads and forms natural rosettes of arching, lacy fronds that are a prized groundcover. Resplendent in color and form, they add so much grace and finery to your garden's edges, like lace on the edge of a gown! You'll not be surprised that Burgundy Lace was the Perennial Plant Association's 2004 Perennial Plant of the Year!

Planting and Application:

Burgundy Lace makes a wonderful counterpoint to flowering perennials. Any urban or dappled courtyard garden will suit Ferns just fine. Blending into both formal and informal designs beautifully, no shaded rock garden, Asian or Zen-inspired garden would be complete without one of these Ferns!

The high preference for water and wet sites makes Burgundy Lace the obvious choice for Rain Gardens, ponds, streams and water features! Cascading along with your waterfalls and fountains happily! Plant around where shady gutters drain for a woodland glen or plant around your HVAC drainage area to soak up the extra moisture.

A wonderful underplanting for larger shrubs and trees where they will bask in the cool shade that larger plants offer, Painted Fern creeps and mingles under shady limbs and will not interfere with each other's root systems. Plant along the edges of tree-lined borders and along the north/east facing areas of your home's foundation where not much else besides moss will grow. Aptly sized for containers, Painted Fern's gray-green fronds will be the featured spiller and thriller to your shade patio planters!

Burgundy Lace Painted Fern is very striking when planted in large groups and allowed to naturalize freely en masse. A sea of burgundy-purple with silver will be amazing in the dappled shade! Perhaps best known as a shade groundcover, Painted Fern will easily fill an area with its pearlescent colors.

Silvery-Green Fern with Purple Overcast
Purple Midrib & Fine Texture!
Dramatic Clump Forming Plant
Herbaceous Groundcover Naturalizes Freely
Easy Care & Low Maintenance - Award-Winning

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Burgundy Lace is a deceivingly hardy Fern, for growing zones 5-8. It grows best in humus-rich ground, high in organic matter. Doing great in well-drained soils that retain moisture but will also adapt to tough conditions. It is tolerant of clay soils, wet and soggy spots with high moisture and humidity. As long as it remains shaded, especially in the hot summers of southern climates, Painted Fern will tolerate a lot, even frigid winters. Part shade locations are tolerable in cooler climates of growing zone 4 and up!

Rather deer resistant Athyrium Burgundy Lace will be safe to plant in the out-of-the-way wooded areas and edges of your property without worry of damage. Divide plants in the early spring before new growth emerges.

Full Shade to Partial Shade
Moist Soil & Water Loving Plant - Does Well in Acidic Soil
Deer & Rabbit Pass It By!
Tolerant of Cold & Heat - Grows in Wet & Clay Soils
Pest & Disease Free

Burgundy Lace Painted Japanese Fern is a great addition of lovely color to a shade garden. With its graceful fern-like foliage, this plant will add texture to any shaded landscape! You'll be glad to have this sterling beauty rambling throughout your gardens, so give Nature Hills Nursery a call today!

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Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a fern?

Yes, Burgundy Lace is a fern - specifically a variety of Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Burgundy Lace'). It produces the characteristic lacy, arching fronds typical of ferns rather than flowers. Plant it in shaded, moist areas where it will spread naturally.

What USDA hardiness zones can Burgundy Lace Painted Fern grow in?

Burgundy Lace Painted Fern thrives in USDA zones 4-9, making it adaptable to most temperate climates. This hardy perennial handles cold winters well while preferring the consistent moisture of cooler zones. Shop at Nature Hills for reliable, nursery-grown plants.

How tall and wide does Burgundy Lace Painted Fern get at maturity?

Burgundy Lace Painted Fern typically reaches 12-18 inches tall and spreads 18-24 inches wide at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for edging shade gardens or filling spaces under trees and shrubs. Allow 18-24 inches between plants for proper air circulation.

What type of soil does Burgundy Lace Painted Fern need to thrive?

Burgundy Lace Painted Fern thrives in consistently moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. This water-loving perennial performs best in rich, humusy conditions that mirror its native woodland habitat. Plant in areas with natural moisture retention or amend heavy clay soils with compost for optimal growth.

How often should I water my Burgundy Lace Painted Fern?

Burgundy Lace Painted Fern thrives with consistently moist soil and has a high preference for water. Water regularly to maintain steady moisture, especially during dry spells. Check soil weekly and water when the top inch feels dry.

Are Burgundy Lace Painted Ferns deer resistant?

Burgundy Lace Painted Ferns are generally deer resistant due to their texture and taste preferences. Deer typically avoid ferns, making them reliable choices for shaded areas where deer browsing is problematic. Plant them confidently in woodland gardens and foundation plantings without additional protection.

Which plants pair well with Burgundy Lace Painted Fern in a shade garden?

Burgundy Lace Painted Fern pairs beautifully with flowering perennials in shade gardens, creating stunning color contrasts with its silvery-green fronds and purple midribs. It works exceptionally well as an underplanting for larger shrubs and trees. Plant it alongside hostas, heuchera, and astilbe for a layered woodland look.

Does this fern need regular fertilizing throughout the growing season?

Burgundy Lace Painted Fern thrives without heavy fertilization, preferring naturally rich, moist woodland conditions. A light application of compost or balanced fertilizer in early spring is sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can reduce the vibrant burgundy and silver coloration that makes this fern so striking.