How to prune athyrium niponicum 'ursula's red'

Late winter to early spring, before new fronds unfurl. Snap or cut dead fronds off at the base individually. Do not shear or trim growing fronds — the plant's energy goes back into the rhizome naturally as fronds die off in autumn.

Once annually in late winter; remove damaged fronds as needed. Athyrium niponicum 'Ursula's Red' is a deciduous Japanese painted fern cultivar that dies back in winter and requires almost no pruning. Simply clear dead fronds from the crown in late winter before new croziers push through. Avoid cutting into healthy green fronds during the growing season.

Snap or cut dead fronds off at the base individually. Do not shear or trim growing fronds — the plant's energy goes back into the rhizome naturally as fronds die off in autumn.