The gray, burgandy, green, and silver colors that contribute to the unique frond colors of Japanese Painted Fern provide a "variegated effect" in shady spots of the garden, but even moisture throughout the dry periods of Summer and early Autumn is essential to prevent premature dormancy. This fern is also known by the alternative scientific name of Athyrium goeringianum 'Pictum' or the alternative spelling of Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'.