Japanese painted fern, is a rhizomatous, deciduous fern with an arching habit that typically grows to 18" tall. It features a slowly spreading clump of triangular, variegated fronds to 20" long. Fronds are a soft greyish-green with an overlay of silvery hues accented by contrasting dark maroon midribs. Silvering is best for several weeks in the spring, with fronds becoming greener as hot temperatures arrive.