7 Japanese painted fern

ATHYRIUM NIPONICUM VAR. PICTUM, ZONES 4 TO 9

Perfect for shady areas in woodland gardens, these ferns feature nearly 2-foot-long triangular fronds with silver centers that almost glow. Silver coloring peaks in spring then fades to green by midsummer, still contrasted by its maroon midribs. Try different varieties for unique coloring. Pictum (shown here) is silver and red; Burgundy Lace is silver and burgundy.

Expect this to be a low-maintenance Why we love it: fern for those tucked-away spots that need intrigue.