Japanese Painted Fern vs Lily of the Valley

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Japanese Painted Fern

Athyrium niponicum

Athyriaceae · ferns

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

Asparagaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Japanese Painted Fern (Zones 4-8)

Lily of the Valley (Zones 3-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Japanese Painted Fern	Lily of the Valley
Scientific Name	Athyrium niponicum	Convallaria majalis
Family	Athyriaceae	Asparagaceae
Category	ferns	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	1' 6"	8"
Spread	2'	1'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Spring
Bloom Color	None	White
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Japan, East Asia	Europe, Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Japanese Painted Fern

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Lily of the Valley

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Japanese Painted Fern

✓Provide consistent moisture but not soggy soil.
✓Pairs beautifully with hostas and astilbes.
✓Cut back dead fronds in spring.
✓Slowly spreads to form elegant colonies.

Lily of the Valley

✓Plant pips (roots) in fall.
✓Spreads aggressively — contain with barriers or use in areas where spreading is desired.
✓All parts are poisonous.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Japanese Painted Fern if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

Choose Lily of the Valley if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 3–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. They share similar sun requirements (part shade to full shade), making them potential garden companions.

View Japanese Painted FernProfile →View Lily of the ValleyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Japanese Painted Fern and Lily of the Valley grow in the same hardiness zone?

Japanese Painted Fern grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Lily of the Valley grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Japanese Painted Fern and Lily of the Valley have the same sun and water needs?

Japanese Painted Fern needs part shade to full shade and medium water, while Lily of the Valley needs part shade to full shade and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Japanese Painted Fern or Lily of the Valley?

Japanese Painted Fern grows taller at 1' 6" compared to Lily of the Valley at 8". Japanese Painted Fern spreads 2' while Lily of the Valley spreads 1'.

Are Japanese Painted Fern and Lily of the Valley deer resistant?

Yes, both Japanese Painted Fern and Lily of the Valley are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Japanese Painted Fern or Lily of the Valley?

Both Japanese Painted Fern and Lily of the Valley have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Japanese Painted Fern	Lily of the Valley
Scientific Name	Athyrium niponicum	Convallaria majalis
Family	Athyriaceae	Asparagaceae
Category	ferns	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	1' 6"	8"
Spread	2'	1'
Bloom Season	Non-flowering	Spring
Bloom Color	None	White
Growth Rate	Medium	Medium
Native Region	Japan, East Asia	Europe, Asia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Japanese Painted Fern

✓Provide consistent moisture but not soggy soil.
✓Pairs beautifully with hostas and astilbes.
✓Cut back dead fronds in spring.
✓Slowly spreads to form elegant colonies.

Lily of the Valley

✓Plant pips (roots) in fall.
✓Spreads aggressively — contain with barriers or use in areas where spreading is desired.
✓All parts are poisonous.