Japanese Painted Fern Companion Plants: Enhancing Your Garden’s Beauty

When it comes to gardening, most people focus on the main attraction - the flowers. But what many don't realize is that foliage can also play a vital role in making a garden look stunning. One such foliage that has gained immense popularity over the years is the Japanese painted fern. This gorgeous plant not only adds texture and color to your garden but is also incredibly versatile when it comes to companion planting. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best Japanese painted fern companion plants that can elevate your garden's beauty.

Why Choose Japanese Painted Fern?

Before we dive into the companion plants, let's quickly go over why Japanese painted ferns are worth considering. Firstly, they're incredibly low maintenance - once established, they require minimal watering and pruning. Secondly, their unique silver and purple fronds provide a striking contrast against other plants. Thirdly, they thrive in shady areas, making them an excellent choice for gardens with limited sunlight. Finally, they're deer-resistant, so you won't have to worry about these pesky creatures munching on your precious plants.

Companion Plants for Japanese Painted Ferns

Now that we've discussed the benefits of Japanese painted ferns, let's take a look at some of the best companion plants that can enhance their beauty even further.

Hostas

Hostas are one of the most popular companion plants for Japanese painted ferns, and it's not hard to see why. Both these plants share similar growing conditions - they prefer moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade. Hostas come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect match for your Japanese painted ferns. For instance, you could pair the silver fronds of Japanese painted ferns with the blue-green foliage of 'Halcyon' hosta or the yellow-green leaves of 'Sum and Substance' hosta.

Tiarella

Tiarella, also known as foamflower, is another excellent companion plant for Japanese painted ferns. These plants feature delicate white or pink flowers that bloom in spring and summer, adding a pop of color to your garden. Tiarellas thrive in moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade, just like Japanese painted ferns. You could pair the purple fronds of Japanese painted ferns with the pink flowers of 'Pink Skyrocket' tiarella or the white blooms of 'Sugar and Spice' tiarella.

Astilbe

Astilbes are another shade-loving plant that pairs well with Japanese painted ferns. These plants feature feathery plumes of pink, red, or white flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer. Astilbes prefer moist soil, so make sure to water them regularly. You could pair the silver fronds of Japanese painted ferns with the pink plumes of 'Bridal Veil' astilbe or the red blooms of 'Fanal' astilbe.

Heucheras

Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are a popular perennial that comes in a variety of colors, including green, purple, and bronze. These plants prefer well-draining soil and partial shade, making them an excellent choice for pairing with Japanese painted ferns. You could pair the purple fronds of Japanese painted ferns with the green foliage of 'Green Spice' heuchera or the silver leaves of 'Silver Scrolls' heuchera.

Brunneras

Brunneras, also known as Siberian bugloss, are another shade-loving plant that pairs well with Japanese painted ferns. These plants feature heart-shaped leaves that come in a variety of colors, including silver, green, and blue. Brunneras prefer moist soil and partial to full shade. You could pair the silver fronds of Japanese painted ferns with the blue foliage of 'Jack Frost' brunnera or the green leaves of 'Looking Glass' brunnera.

Ligularia

Ligularias are a stunning perennial that features large, daisy-like flowers that bloom in mid-summer. These plants prefer moist soil and partial to full shade, making them an excellent choice for pairing with Japanese painted ferns. You could pair the purple fronds of Japanese painted ferns with the yellow blooms of 'Desdemona' ligularia or the orange flowers of 'The Rocket' ligularia.

Additional Companion Plants

Apart from the ones mentioned above, here are some other Japanese painted fern companion plants that you could consider:

Hellebores

These plants feature delicate white, pink, or purple flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring.

Siberian Irises

These plants feature beautiful blue or purple flowers that bloom in late spring.

Foxtail Lilies

These plants feature tall spikes of white, yellow, or pink flowers that bloom in mid-summer.

Japanese Anemones

These plants feature single or double flowers that come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and red.

Caladiums

These plants feature striking leaves that come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and green.

FAQs

1. Do Japanese painted ferns require a lot of maintenance?

No, Japanese painted ferns are very low maintenance once established. They only require regular watering and occasional pruning.

2. Can Japanese painted ferns be grown in full sun?

No, Japanese painted ferns prefer partial to full shade and can get burnt if exposed to too much sunlight.

3. Are Japanese painted ferns deer-resistant?

Yes, Japanese painted ferns are deer-resistant, so you won't have to worry about these pesky creatures munching on your plants.

4. What is the best soil type for Japanese painted ferns?

Japanese painted ferns prefer moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

5. How often do I need to water Japanese painted ferns?

You should water Japanese painted ferns regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. However, make sure not to overwater them as they don't like soggy soil.



In Japanese painted ferns are an excellent choice for adding texture and color to your garden. When paired with the right companion plants, they can elevate your garden's beauty even further. From hostas to ligularias, there are plenty of options to choose from. Just make sure to keep in mind their growing conditions and choose plants that thrive in similar environments. Happy gardening!