A triumph of the Pteridophyta (Fern family), this sport of the versatile Lady Fern displays its leaflets in a criss-cross pattern all up and down each frond. If you stand back from the backlit fronds, the intricate architecture of this Fern becomes immediately apparent. Each frond also ends in a little crest that resembles a tassel. The Victorians were enamored of these complex mutations, and literally hundreds of varieties were developed. 'Cruciatum' is one of the best. Grows 12-20 inches high. Z. 4-8

A dwarf Fern 6-12 inches high, 'Minutissima' has short dense fronds. Z. 4-8

Beautiful soft gray-green foliage stained with wine-purple along the veins is a pleasing feature of the Japanese Painted Fern. This Fern forms a clump of arching, tapered fronds 15-18 inches high. Give it a shady, moist spot that is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Z. 5-8

Beautifully marked in silver, green, and purple, the foliage of this recent selection is also crested at the pinna (leaflet) tips and at the tip of each frond. It looks rich and lush and grows to about 2 feet high. Z. 5-8

Probably a hybrid, this Painted Fern selection grows vigorously in a lush, gently spreading clump. The fronds have a reddish tinge. Z. 5-8