Lady Ferns, Japanese Painted Ferns, and Ghost Painted Ferns New This Week May 12, 2025 Plant Spotlight: Athyrium Lady Ferns, Japanese Painted Ferns, and Ghost Painted Ferns Athyrium are commonly referred to as “lady ferns” because of their delicate lacy-cut fronds. Very lady-like! But Athyrium isn't dainty. Much larger than just one fern, it is a genus of about 180 different species including Japanese Painted Fern Athyrium niponicum, Ghost Fern Athyrium 'Ghost,' Eared Lady Fern , and Southern Lady Fern Athyrium asplenioides . This group of deciduous terrestrial ferns are native to moist forests–both tropical and temperate–all across the planet from Asia, Europe, North Africa, Canada, and the United States. A very wide range! The name comes from the Greek athyros meaning "doorless" in reference to the slowly opening, hinged spore covers. Grown as houseplants, as garden border plants, along streambanks, or in meadow or woodland gardens, athyrium can easily find a home as a shady groundcover or herbaceous understory plants. Evolved to thrive in lush, humid, and shady conditions, they are perfect for the lower levels of woodland ecosystems. Give them part shade or full shade and rich, consistently moist soil and you will have suitably dense ground cover over time. Divide the clumps in spring every few years to propagate. Each season at Painters, we carry different species of a thyrium (and more varieties of Japanese Painted Fern). Read about these elegant plants to see if they are a good fit for your needs and your style! Photo Credit: Walters Gardens Ghost Painted Fern Athyrium x 'Ghost' Type: Perennial USDA Growing Zones: 4-8 Sun Exposure: Part-full shade Size: 18-24'' tall, 12-18'' wide Attractive, upright fronds have a unique grey-green tone Cross between lady fern and Japanese painted fern, combining the best traits of both parents Deciduous; can be easily divided in spring (every 3-4 years) Photo Credit: Walters Gardens Japanese Painted Fern 'Regal Red' Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Regal Red' Type: Perennial USDA Growing Zones: 4-9 Sun Exposure: Part-full shade Size: 1-2' tall and wide Striking red-burgundy fronds with silver edges, elegant and unique Deciduous, clump-forming; Low maintenance; deer and rabbit resistant Japanese Painted Fern 'Godzilla' Athyrium 'Godzilla' Type: Perennial USDA Growing Zones: 5-8 Sun Exposure: Part-full shade Size: 3' tall, 3-6' wide Silvery fronds with green highlights and dark purple stems, forms a massive, arching clump Low maintenance; deer and rabbit resistant Japanese Painted Fern 'Red Beauty' Athyrium niponicum var. pictum 'Red Beauty' Type: Perennial USDA Growing Zones: 4-9 Sun Exposure: Part-full shade Size: 1-2' tall and wide Lacy, silvery grey fronds contrast elegantly with burgundy stems and midveins; takes on greener tones as the weather warms Deciduous, clump-forming Low maintenance; deer and rabbit resistant Photo Credit: Walters Gardens Lady Fern 'Lady in Red' Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red' Type: NATIVAR Perennial USDA Growing Zones: 4-8 Sun Exposure: Part-full shade Size: 1-3' tall and wide Tolerates drier soils than many other ferns Bright red stems contrast beautifully with lacy ornamental fronds Vigorous and easy to grow plus the fiddleheads are delicious! Can tolerate sun but only if soil is kept consistently moist Eared Lady Fern 'Limelight' Athyrium otophorum 'Limelight' Type: Perennial USDA Growing Zones: 5-9 Sun Exposure: Part-full shade Size: 1-2' tall and wide Exquisite fronds emerge chartreuse and mature to green, creating a two-toned effect May stay evergreen in mild winters; deer resistant Outstanding specimen for container combos or woodland gardens

New This Week March 20, 2023 Locally Grown is the Painters Difference When you shop at Painters Greenhouse not only are you supporting a local small business, you are also shopping from one of the largest selections of locally grown plants in WNC. We are proud to grow the majority of our plants on site in our greenhouses from seeds, cuttings, bareroot, or plugs to mature potted plants ready for you to take home! Sara sowing seeds this fall. These baby Black-Eyed Susan plants were sown in September by Sara, transplanted into plug trays several weeks later by Stefanie, and then Moises and Diego cared for them in our cold frame over the winter (this allowed for proper vernalization - the long cold period needed to promote flowering). Stefanie bumping our seedlings up into plug trays. This batch was one of several rounds grown throughout the year. Soon they will be planted in pots by Maria, Azia, Kerry, Ana, and Yanet, then moved back to the cold frame while they root in… Our propagation team transplanting plugs into the pots they will be sold in. ...and before you know it you’ll see them for sale on the retail floor. It takes precise planning, years of experience, months of growing, and a team of people to get these plants ready for you to take home at the ideal time to plant. (Now consider the fact that we do this for over a thousand varieties of annuals, perennials, houseplants, trees, shrubs, and more!) So why do we do it? Growing a majority of our own plants reduces our carbon footprint significantly, means we know the entire history of the plant and can control everything that comes in contact with it, and helps us keep our prices competitive. Chris hand inspecting the new crop of creeping phlox It means less shipping trucks on the road and reducing fossil fuel usage by forgoing the need to have lots of mature plants delivered - short of some of our houseplants, anything we don’t grow ourselves is grown within a hundred miles. This is the way Painters has done it for 50 years. While some may think we are crazy to grow and sell direct from the same location (it definitely comes with many challenges), we love growing and we love the face-to-face with our dedicated customers. We are deeply grateful for the growers and production members behind our diverse and healthy inventory, thankful for the talented horticulturists nearby who wholesale many of the slower-growing species we don’t grow ourselves, and grateful to all our loyal customers who value the Painters difference. See you next spring!

Painters Greenhouse gift certificates can be purchased online and make a great present for all the plant lovers in your life! Available in increments ranging from $10-$500 and delivered immediately to your inbox, our gift certificates are a great way to give a gift that keeps growing. They also make a convenient last minute gift! GIVE THE GIFT OF PLANTS PURCHASE A PAINTERS GREENHOUSE GIFT CERTIFICATE Painters Greenhouse Gift Certificate Enter amount $ Quantity Buy Now Digital gift certificates can be purchased online here. Simply fill in the form with your desired gift amount and email address for delivery. Your certificate will be sent via email to your chosen recipient or you can email it to yourself to print at home. Payment are processed on the web platform, but you do not need an account to pay with a credit card. Physical gift certificates can be purchased at Painters Greenhouse during open hours!

Discover the wide selection of natives, perennials, annuals, trees & shrubs, succulents, and houseplants available for sale at Painters Greenhouse. Described as a paradise for plant lovers, Painters has over 100,000 square feet of growing and retail space and we cultivate around 1,000 species on site. We plant, water, and inspect our crops by hand and sell direct to our faithful retail customers. Only a small fraction of our plants are grown outside of WNC - better for the plants & the planet! OUR PLANTS Described as a paradise for plant lovers, Painters features over 100,000 square feet of growing and retail space, where we cultivate around 1,000 species on-site. We plant, water, and care for our crops by hand, selling directly to our loyal customers. Because nearly everything is grown right here in WNC, it's better for both the plants and the planet! We are known for our focus on native and pollinator plants, an expansive selection of over 900 perennial varieties, giant Boston ferns, robust trees & shrubs, and affordable houseplants. Come see for yourself why people travel from miles around to make Painters their "go-to" nursery! Annual & Perennial Growing List Tree & Shrub Availability Houseplant Availability This list includes annuals, perennials, veggies, and herbs planted for spring 2026. All items listed are intended for sale during our retail season, and will be made available for purchase as they reach optimum maturity and health. Subscribe to our newsletter--or follow us on socials--to be the first to know what’s coming out each week! Click for Growing List This list includes shrubs and trees as well as perennial edibles and fruits. The list is updated daily to reflect any new additions or sold out items. Prices and availability are subject to change. We are unfortunately unable to accommodate preorders, holds, or delivery. NOTE: You won't find shrubs on our list such as nandina, mimosa tree, barberry, Japanese spirea, butterfly bush, or burning bush because they are deemed invasive in NC. To view a list of invasive plants to avoid planting, visit the NC Native Plant Society website. For a helpful tutorial on commonly used invasive foundation plants and native alternatives, click here. Click for Trees/Shrubs This list contains available houseplants, succulents, tropicals, and carnivorous plants at Painters. Including our famous tropical ferns! The list is updated daily to reflect any new additions or sold out items. Prices and availability are subject to change. This list does not show discounted prices. Weekly sales are listed in our newsletter or New this Week. Don't see what you're looking for or have a question? Please Contact us . Click for Houseplants PLANTS BY CATEGORY NATIVE PLANTS Native plants are those that existed in North America before European settlement, and which have evolved to thrive in our specific climate, soils and temperatures. Natives are becoming an increasingly popular way to incorporate environmental consciousness into our lives. Learn More TREES & SHRUBS We offer a variety of shrubs and trees including many evergreen and blooming options. Choose from a wide selection of fruiting shrubs and trees, an extensive array of native options, and an assortment of ornamental or screening varieties. Learn More ANNUALS Annuals are plants that live for one season and our vast selection of quality annuals will excite any gardener! We offer flowering and foliage annuals to suit every need in your flower beds, container gardens and hanging baskets! Learn More PERENNIALS Perennials come back year after year and include a wide selection of plants ranging from beloved native Black-Eyed Susans & Echinacea, to shade-loving ferns & Hostas, as well as grasses, groundcovers, and more Learn More EDIBLES We offer a broad selection of vegetables, herbs, fruiting shrubs, and fruiting trees. You will find many heirlooms varieties as well as those bred for disease resistance, container gardening, and more. Each year we grow both classic and unique cultivars, focusing on varieties that are proven to grow well in our climate. Learn More HOUSEPLANTS Bring nature indoors! We have houseplants for every budget and need including low-light plants, pet friendly plants, and unique low maintenance plants. We are proud to offer a wide selection at affordable prices. Learn More LEARN ABOUT OUR APPROACHES TO: EFFICIENCY & REUSE SAFE EDIBLES PEST PREVENTION & TREATMENT PESTICIDE AWARENESS SUPPORTING POLLINATORS

Resources we recommend for WNC gardeners and plant folks! OUR RESOURCES THIGMOMORPHOGENESIS WORD OF THE WEEK (WHAT A WORD, HUH?!!!) The process by which plants respond to physical stimuli like wind or touch which slows stem elongation and increases stem diameter. This adaptive process creates shorter, sturdier plants that are much better equipped to withstand environmental stress. Roll out the Red Carpet: Tips & Picks for Vibrant Red Blooms Where to Go From Here: A Streambank Restoration Toolbox Edimentals: Look Good, Eat Good Our Blog SEE MORE Recommended Resources Bring Back the Pollinators Check out the expert guidance from Xerces Society and sign the pollinator protection pledge! Guide to Mulching Reduce weed problems and watering needs by learning to mulch properly. Backyard Streambank Repair A powerpoint from NC State Extension on plant recommendations (including live stake installation) for streamside forests, vegetated areas, and riparian buffers. Spring and Fall Freeze Dates in NC Find the average last spring freeze date or first average fall freeze for your neck of the woods! Native Host Plants for Butterfly Gardens Food sources for caterpillars during their larval stage. A great list from the NC Native Plant Society. Native Plants for Firewise Landscaping Low Flammability Native Plants for use with Firewise Landscaping. Updated 2025. NC State Extension Resources The Gardening Portal at NC State University provides access to a wealth of information, events, and resources for gardeners in North Carolina. Harmful Ornamentals & Alternative Options NC Native Plant Society list of alternatives to invasive and harmful ornamental plants that are still sold in NC. Favorite Native Ferns for NC Gardens NC Native Plant Society's compilation of favorite native ferns! Native Pollinator Plants for NC Explore North Carolina's top 25 native pollinator plants. Bird Friendly Native Plants Audubon society's 700 Bird-Friendly Native Plants for North Carolina Vegetable Gardening Handout Everything you need to know to plan your vegetable garden. Including where and how and when to plant, companion plants, harvest times, and more! Pest Identification and Treatment Struggling with garden pests? Check out this helpful handout from Painters Greenhouse. Worms Can Recycle Your Garbage Step-by-step directions on how to use worms for composting, creating an improved fertilizer and soil amendment that can even deter pests. From the NC State Extension. Tree & Shrubs Planting Guidelines A Painters Greenhouse handout covering the basics of how to plant shrubs and trees as well as our plant guarantee for such items. Shrubs & Trees for Privacy Screens & Barriers Tips on planting, speedy screening, and plants for sun and shade. Native Plants Suitable for Streambank Restoration To help with your streambank restoration. Plants available at Painters 2025 Plants for Erosion Control Featuring plants that can naturalize small areas by suckering roots; plants that have a tendency to spread by self-sowing; and those that have deep fibrous roots that hold banks. Ideal Plants for a Honeybee Pasture Listed by first bloom time for McDowell County, NC and how much pollen or nectar the plant produces. Firewise Landscaping in North Carolina Check out this Firewise Landscaping handout from NC State Extension covering plant choice, plant maintenance, and plant placement. Creating your Pollinator Garden NC Botanical Garden's basic steps to ensure a wonderful garden for both you and native pollinators. Houseplant Pest ID & Treatment Great visual guide to diseases on indoor plants. Soil Calculator Try this to calculate the soil needed to fill your raised beds or planters. NC Native Plants by Season and Color NC Native Plant Society's list of perennial plants that all attract pollinators, provide a food source, and are available commercially. Support Monarch Butterflies Monarchs require milkweed during all stages of their life cycle. Learn what other plants help support this endangered pollinator. Edibles in Small Spaces Painters Greenhouse guide to growing edibles in raised beds and containers. Gardening in a Drought Gardening guide with water conservation in mind, including ideas for low-maintenance plantings, easy ways to set up automatic watering, and saving water on your lawns. Backyard Composting In depth composting handout from the NC Cooperative Extension Service. Keystone Plants for WNC A National Wildlife Federation list of Top Keystone Plant Genera in Eastern Temperate Forests - Ecoregion 8 Marginal Aquatics and Rain Garden Plants Marginal aquatics plants thrive in shallow water near the edges of ponds and water gardens. Rain garden plants prefer wet to moist soil and can handle occasional standing water. Nest Sites and Overwintering Habitat Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation's handout on nesting and overwintering habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects. Zone 7 Garden Calendar A great month-by-month calendar from Sow True Seed about what garden chores to tackle when! Groundcovers We Love Painters' Picks for groundcovers in sun, shade, or a bit of both. Shrubs and herbaceous plants. Deer Resistant Plants A Painters Greenhouse most often requested list! From plants that deer generally resist to plants that deer LOVE. Check it out if you have these furry neighbors! Native Plants Database Search for over 25,198 native plants by scientific or common name or family of plant in this database from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center with photos. NC Native Plant Society Plant Gallery NC gallery of plants, including some common roadside plants--some native, some alien (or exotic). Many of the alien plants are invasive and merit attention to avoid planting. Native Pollinator Plants by Season Extended list of forage and host plants for bees, butterflies, and moths. Bee City USA Click to join the cities and campuses across the country rallying to protect pollinators and create positive change. Edible Landscaping Don't hide the vegetable garden! Edible landscaping offers an alternative to conventional residential landscapes by incorporating edible components. The Many Benefits of Herbs Want to repel mosquitos naturally? Interested in making your own herbals tea? Want to learn about the medicinal benefits of some common herbs? Check out this Painters handout. Guide to a Bird-Friendly Backyard Information on supporting native birds and creating habitat corridors for them. Be part of the movement by growing native plants in your yard!

Weekly updated inventory of Painters Greenhouse trees and shrubs, including perennial edibles and fruits. The list can be sorted by common or botanical name, quantity, price, size or department. General growing characteristics and native/nativar classifications are included. TREE & SHRUB AVAILABILITY Tree & Shrub Availability Annual & Perennial Growing List Houseplant Availability This list includes shrubs and trees as well as perennial edibles and fruits. The list is updated at the start of each business day to reflect any new additions or sold out items. Prices and availability subject to change. Sales pricing not reflected. We a re unable to accommodate preorders, holds, or delivery. NOTE: You won't find shrubs on our list such as nandina, mimosa tree, barberry, butterfly bush, Japanese spirea, or burning bush because they are deemed invasive in NC and can cause significant problems for our wild flora and fauna as well as people (erosion, water quality & wildfire risks). To view a list of invasive plants to avoid planting, visit the NC Native Plant Society website . For a helpful tutorial on commonly used invasive foundation plants and native alternatives, click here . Coming for one specific item? Or don't see what you're looking for? Please Contact us . Here's what we grew for Spring! Check back for Fall Availability in early September... Tree and Shrub Availability Tree and Shrub Availability

Our native plant selection typically averages around 300 varieties and each season we increase the numbers of straight-species natives we sow and sell. We care deeply about growing plants that support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. The majority of the native plants we sell can be found naturally growing in the WNC area, but we also include some that are native to the region. Our natives are grown here at the greenhouse with the exception of some shrubs & trees from local nurseries. NATIVE PLANTS Native plants have evolved to thrive in our specific climate, soils, and temperatures. Our native plant selection typically averages around 300 varieties and each season we increase the numbers of straight-species natives we sow and sell. We care deeply about growing plants that support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. The majority of the native plants we sell can be found naturally growing in the WNC area, but we also include some that are native to the general region. Our natives are grown on site with the exception of some shrubs and trees from local nurseries. FIND NATIVES FOR SALE A Few Favorite Native Herbaceous Perennials Asters Baptisia Bee Balm Black Cohosh Blazing Star (Liatris) Blue Star (Amsonia) Boneset Cardinal Flower Columbine Coneflower Creeping Phlox (Thrift) Dwarf Crested Iris Dwarf Mexican Hat Dwarf-Eared Coreopsis Flag Iris Garden Phlox Goldenrod Helenium Heliopsis (Smooth Oxeye) Heuchera villosa Indian Pink Joe Pye Weed Lanceleaf Coreopsis Lyreleaf Sage Milkweed A Few Favorite Native Ferns Christmas Fern Cinnamon Fern Lady Fern Ostrich Fern Royal Fern Sensitive Fern Southern Maidenhair Fern A Few Favorite Native Vines American Wisteria Carolina Jessamine Coral Honeysuckle Crossvine Passion Flower Vine Trumpet Vine A Few Favorite Native Groundcovers Allegheny Spurge Creeping Phlox (Thrift) Dwarf-Eared Coreopsis Foamflower Green and Gold Ostrich Fern Pennsylvania Sedge Sensitive Fern Woodland Phlox Woodland Stonecrop A Few Favorite Native Grasses Big Bluestem Blue Grama Grass Little Bluestem Northern Sea Oats Pennsylvania Sedge Pink Muhly Grass Prairie Dropseed Splitbeard Bluestem Switchgrass A Few Favorite Native Edibles Blueberry, Northern Highbush Sweetheart Chokeberry, Black Viking Hazelnut, American Elderberry Blueberry, Northern Highbush Duke Blueberry, Rabbiteye Climax Blueberry, Rabbiteye Premier Paw Paw A Few Favorite Native Trees & Shrubs American Beautyberry American Beech American Holly American Witch Hazel Bald Cypress Bearberry Blueberry (assorted) Buttonbush Chokeberry Coralberry Deciduous Azalea (assorted) Doghobble (assorted) Eastern Hemlock Eastern Ninebark Eastern Redbud Elderberry Flame Azalea Flowering Dogwood Fothergilla Hardy Pecan Inkberry Holly Mountain Laurel New Jersey Tea Oak (assorted) Oakleaf Hydrangea Related Blog Posts Where to Go From Here: A Streambank Restoration Toolbox Apr 21 3 min read A Guide to Native Plants: Straight Species vs. Nativars Aug 13, 2022 6 min read Why We Love Native Plants Feb 18, 2022 3 min read

Painters Greenhouse's mission is to enrich lives and local ecosystems by supplying WNC with a wide diversity of healthy, homegrown plants; to provide knowledgeable and friendly guidance to all gardeners whether green or seasoned; to evolve to best meet the needs of our customers and local community OUR VALUES MISSION STATEMENT To enrich lives and local ecosystems by supplying WNC with a wide diversity of healthy, homegrown plants; to provide knowledgeable and friendly guidance to all gardeners whether green or seasoned; to evolve to best meet the needs of our customers and local community Discover THE PAINTERS DIFFERENCE Grown Locally to Thrive Locally We grow over 90% of our plants at our greenhouse in Old Fort, NC. Our seasonal closures allow our small, hardworking team to focus entirely on propagating, planting, and tending to your future crops! Because we oversee every step of their care, you get high-quality plants that have been individually nurtured. Unlike stores that ship in mature plants for resale, our locally grown approach means zero shipping damage, less fuel use, and a smaller carbon footprint—plus savings we can pass on to our customers! For the select items we don't grow ourselves, we proudly source the vast majority from other small local businesses. Supporting Thriving Communities Plants have a special way of bringing us together, and we strive to build a community around plants and a connection to the land. As a family owned small business that grows most of our own plants, we are proud to provide local jobs, support our community, and give back to local non-profits. MEET OUR STAFF! Bringing You Years of Hands on Experience If Painters is known for one thing, its our friendly, knowledgeable staff (we can't help but brag - we're pretty proud of them!). The team at Painters simply loves plants and are here to share their passion and expertise with you. Whether you're looking for your first houseplant, wanting to start a pollinator garden, or shopping for the perfect tree for you yard, we are here to help! Helping Our Local Flora and Fauna Thrive Because we grow our own plants, we can control every facet of their care. In an industry that struggles with sustainability, growing locally makes a massive difference. We are deeply mindful of our environmental impact, making every effort to recycle and use organic, non-toxic pest treatments and beneficial insects whenever possible. We also support local wildlife by expanding our native plant selection and promoting environmentally-friendly species and cultivars that thrive right here in WNC. And by raising awareness of how individual gardening choices affect the earth, we aim to help you grow a garden that gives back to the planet. Learn About Our Approaches to: EFFICIENCY & REUSE SAFE EDIBLES PEST PREVENTION & TREATMENT PESTICIDE AWARENESS SUPPORTING POLLINATORS EXPLORE OUR NATIVE PLANTS Knowledgable Intentional EXPLORE OUR PLANTS Described as a paradise for plant lovers, Painters features over 100,000 square feet of growing and retail space, where we cultivate around 1,000 species on-site. Dive into our incredible selection of native and pollinator plants, expansive perennial varieties, giant Boston ferns, robust trees and shrubs, and affordable houseplants, and start planning your wishlist now! PLANT AVAILABILITY LISTS A FOCUS ON NATIVES Planting native is a wonderful way to support a biodiverse ecosystem in your back yard from the bottom to the top of the food chain. We are proud to offer one of the largest selections of homegrown native plants in WNC! LEARN MORE

Painters Greenhouse has been a staple in the community for over 50 years. Painters takes pride in helping to beautify area schools, non-profits, and Old Fort businesses and public areas by offering discounted plants and/or donating plants! Painters holds benefit nights to help community members and local organizations raise funds. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Community is at the Heart of Everything We Do Painters Greenhouse has been a staple in the community for over 50 years. Supporting Local Non-Profits We offer a 10% discount to all nonprofits. Non-profit Donation Day One of our favorite days of the year is our non-profit plant donation day. Each spring, after we close our doors for the season, we invite local nonprofits and other community service organizations to choose from a wide selection of our remaining annuals, perennials and select houseplants. Last year's Nonprofit Plant Donation Day was a booming success! We welcomed over 30 organizations - a new record - and donated over $35,000 worth of plants to community gardens, schools, environmental organizations, animal sanctuaries, and more! We always strive to find good homes for all of our plants and are thrilled they can be used to beautify schools, teach kids about gardening, support pollinators in Western North Carolina, and brighten peoples days. We are incredibly inspired by these organizations and the work they do! Supporting Local Schools -Throughout the year Painters Greenhouse donates to over 15 area schools. Enriching Our Community Painters takes pride in helping to beautify Old Fort Businesses and public gathering areas by offering discounted plants, donating plants, and the labor to plant them! Painters holds benefit nights to help community members and local organizations raise funds

Fall Season 2023 at Painters and what you will find. WELCOME TO OUR FALL SEASON Fall Season 2023 September 14th - October 14th FALL HOURS: Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 9am - 4pm Friday: 9am - 4pm Saturday: 9am - 4pm Sunday: Closed GET DIRECTIONS WHAT YOU'LL FIND Trees & Shrubs Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs, and we will have a wider selection than ever before this season. We are especially excited about our extensive native shrub and tree options. The majority of our shrubs and trees are grown by our terrific local partners, with some natives coming to us from American Native Plants, a Maryland grower dedicated to sustainability and environmental restoration. Click here for our Tree & Shrub Planting Guide & Guarantee. AVAILABILITY

We offer a broad selection of vegetables, herbs, fruiting shrubs, and fruiting trees. You will find heirloom varieties as well as those bred for disease resistance, container gardening, and more. Each year we grow both classic and unique cultivars, focusing on varieties that are proven to grow well in our climate. Our herb selection, full of unusual varieties, is especially celebrated, particularly during our annual spring Herb Fest. EDIBLES We carry a wide selection of vegetables, herbs, fruiting shrubs, and fruiting trees. You will find heirloom varieties as well as those bred for disease resistance, container gardening, and more. Each year we grow both classic and unique cultivars, focusing on varieties that are proven to grow well in our climate, and our herb selection, full of unusual varieties, is especially celebrated. We are committed to locate and provide only non-GMO vegetables and herbs. In the rare case of pest or disease outbreaks on edibles, we use only organic-safe treatments. 2026 Perennial Edibles 2026 Vegetables & Herbs 2026 Tomatoes Blueberry Pollination Chart Fruit Tree Pollination Guide Perennial Edibles Scroll through these pages to read a bit about what we have for you this season. For prices, sizes and quantities, see our Tree & Shrub Availability. GROWING NOTE: Self-fruitful = does not require cross-pollination, but may bear more fruit if another individual of the same variety is present Name Variety Scientific Name Notes Self-Fruitful Apple Mutsu Malus domestica A critical pollinator to many other varieties; does well cross-pollinated by Fuji Apple Fuji Malus domestica crisp & juicy texture, great for applesauce Apple Honeycrisp Malus domestica very crisp and sweet, large fruit Apple McIntosh Malus domestica good for eating fresh or cooking. Cross-pollinate with Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn Apple Gala Malus domestica sweet and popular, keeps well Apple Granny Smith Malus domestica excellent for cooking; pollinators include Golden Delicious and Gala Self Fruitful Apple Pink Lady Malus domestica tart yet sweet, very popular flavor Apple Red Delicious Malus domestica disease resistant, high yielding, pollinates many others Apple Arkansas Black Malus domestica ideal for long-term storage & great for juicing and cider making Apple Wolf River Malus domestica huge fruits (up to 1 pound each!), great for cooking Asparagus Sweet Purple Asparagus officinalis sweeter than green varieties, large spears, wait 2 years to harvest Self Fruitful Blackberry Big Daddy Rubus large, oblong berries on erect canes; Exceptionally high yielding!! Self Fruitful Page 1 of 1 2026 Perennial Edibles Vegetables & Herbs This list includes veggies and herbs that have been grown for the spring 2026 season. Availability subject to change. Contact us if you are looking for something specific. Name Variety Anise Hyssop Arugula Astro Basil Thai Siam Queen Basil African Blue Basil Red Rubin Basil Holy Basil Cinnamon Basil Lettuce Leaf Tuscany Basil Sweet Large Leaf Italian Basil Pesto Perpetuo Basil Lemon Basil Everleaf Genovese Page 1 of 1 2026 Vegetables & Herbs Spring 2026 Tomatoes [Click chart to download all Nightshade Vegetables for 2026.] Most blueberries require a pollinating partner of a different variety within the same species to produce fruit. For better blueberry harvests, use our pollination chart to find a good match. Even self-pollinating varieties produce more fruit when cross-pollinated with a different blueberry plant. [Click chart for more information.] Note: This chart includes varieties sold in past years to help you find pollinating partners for your existing plants. Not all varieties are currently in stock. Fruit Tree Pollination: Apples have the most specific pollination needs of all fruit trees. Use the provided chart to select the best pollinator for your apple tree. The chart also shows which other fruit trees—including cherries, plums, peaches, and pears—need a pollinating partner. [Click chart for full information.]

Meet the Owen family and read about their journey to Painters Greenhouse. Plus our staff page! WELCOME TO PAINTERS GREENHOUSE For over 50 years our family business has supplied our loyal customers with high quality plants. Painters has been described as a hidden gem, located just off the beaten path in Old Fort, NC. We have one of the largest inventories in WNC with a focus on native and pollinator plants, an extensive selection of perennials, and mature and unique houseplants! MEET THE OWEN FAMILY For 37 years the Owen family owned and farmed a 320-acre property in Pennsylvania. The farm produced numerous organic crops, raised animals (including llamas and horses), and fed the Owen family well! Brad started many seeds in their small greenhouse, and he and Deenie maintained extensive flower and vegetable gardens each year. Aiming for a quiet retirement in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, they left the farm to settle in Old Fort in 2009. As avid gardeners, they soon discovered Painters Greenhouse and, while shopping, heard that original owners Susie and Stephen Painter were looking to retire. Deenie and Brad couldn't imagine such a community icon being lost--there was talk of it being bulldozed or turned into monoculture--and they'd always dreamed of owning a greenhouse. Brad and Deenie's daughter Dana was studying ornithology out West and, while loving birds, missed the lush green plants of the East Coast. When visiting over Christmas, she also fell in love with Painters. Following a season of Deenie volunteering and getting a feel feel for the business, she and Brad made the decision to purchase Painters in 2010 and run it with Dana. So much for retirement! Fortunately, Stephen and Susie, who built the business from the ground up, agreed to stay on for a year as consultants--it was a steep learning curve! Previously, Brad had worked for decades as a wetlands biologist, Deenie worked in therapeutic massage, and Dana came from an education in environmental science and raptor biology; however, their science backgrounds did very little to help with learning how to mass produce in a green-ho house setting. It took a lot of experimentation and dedication (along with some very key team members) to get to where they are today! How did Painters win the Owens over, and what keeps them committed during the long days of hard work? Brad has always been a dedicated ecologist with a love for the environment, and he and Deenie raised their daughters surrounded by nature. He has been a driving force behind the continued expansion of Painters' native plant selection. Brad and Deenie loved the idea of providing the community with beautiful plants as well as community with beautiful plants, as well as having the opportunity to encourage folks to garden with the environment and wildlife in mind. They and Dana appreciated the wide selection of plants grown by the Painters, and have almost doubled the diversity of crops offered over the last decade. Their ornamental gardens at home are an incredibly biodiverse mishmash of annual and perennial pollinator-friendly plants that support a huge variety of insects and other wildlife. In fact, Brad's gardening style is to fill every last nook and cranny with blooms of all colors (typically "throw-outs" from Painters)! Dana grew up savoring wildflower walks with her family and, while working in greenhouses during college further and further piqued her interest, she really fell in love with plants when living in Ecuador and witnessing the beauty of the Amazon rainforest. Deenie and Dana, while also lovers of gardening and ecology, were strongly driven by the connection Painters provides with the community. They view and treat their staff as family, and many customers have become dear friends as well. Plants most definitely have the power to heal, as well as foster connections between people of all walks of life--the Owens feel fortunate to be a part of that. The Owens' other daughter, Vanessa, and her husband, Gavin, are also plant lovers and work ocassionally at the greenhouse when not busy with their careers as professional choreographers and dancers. Vanessa also has a side business growing cut flowers and often sells her Mackey Meadows creations at Painters! Looking to the future, the Owens plan to continue fostering a biodiverse plant selection and look forward to ongoing experimentation with new cultivars and species! MEET OUR STAFF Meet our staff Co-owner Dana Owen Finance and Production Manager Sara S. Grower Diego B. Plant Librarian & Assistant Grower Nora L. Production Team Member Maria H. Production Team Member Kerry B. Assistant Grower & Retail Floor Assistant Kim L. Co-owner Deenie Owen Operations Manager Moises A. Grower Israel J. Marketing & Digital Media Manager Tracy W. Production Team Member Yanet D. Man of Many Hats John B. Propagation Specialist & Retail Floor Assistant Stefanie R. Co-owner Brad Owen Administrative & Retail Floor Manager Betsy B. Grower Chris N. Production Team Leader Ana C. Production Team Member Azia A. Sanitation Manager Toni S. Our Amazing Seasonal Team Seasonal Team

Stay informed about what's growing at Painters Greenhouse with our seasonal growing list. You can also browse our current Tree & Shrub or Houseplant Availability Lists to see which plants are ready for you this week! SPRING GROWING LIST Native Plant Availability Annual & Perennial Growing List Tree & Shrub Availability Houseplant Availability The list is updated at the start of each business day to reflect any new additions or sold out items. Prices and availability subject to change. This list does not reflect sales or discounted prices. For our Native selections, Search 'Native' or sort by Subdepartment. NOTE: We do not grow certain once-popular plants such as water hyacinths, butterfly bushes, and pampas grass because they are deemed invasive in NC and can cause significant problems for our wild flora and fauna as well as people (i.e. increased risk of flooding, erosion, or fires). Here's what we grew for Spring! Check back for Fall Availability in early September... Tree and Shrub Availability Tree and Shrub Availability

Peruse our list of available houseplants, succulents, tropicals, and carnivorous plants at Painters. Including our famous tropical ferns! The list is updated weekly during open seasons to reflect any new additions or sold out items. Prices and availability are subject to change.​ HOUSEPLANT & SUCCULENT AVAILABILITY Annual & Perennial Growing List Tree & Shrub Availability Houseplant Availability Scroll down to see available houseplants, succulents, tropical plants, and carnivorous plants at Painters. Including our famous tropical ferns! The list is updated at the start of each business day to reflect any new additions or sold out items. Prices and availability are subject to change. This list does not show discounted prices. Weekly sales are listed in our newsletter or New this Week page. Coming for one specific item? Or don't see what you're looking for? Please Contact us . Here's what we grew for Spring! Check back for Fall Availability in early September... Tree and Shrub Availability Tree and Shrub Availability

ANNUALS We offer a colorful variety of annuals perfect for any garden setting—from full sun to deep shade, and everything in between! With hundreds of varieties to choose from, we boast one of the largest inventories in WNC. For customers traveling a distance, our widest selection of annuals is typically available around early May. This timing ensures most of our plants are fully mature and past the risk of frost, ready to thrive in your garden! SEE AVAILABILITY LISTS A Few Favorite Sun Lovers African Daisy Angelonia Bidens Celosia Cosmos Dahlia Gazania Geranium Gomphrena Lantana Marigold Mexican Bush Sage Ornamental Peppers Pansies Pentas Petunia Pineapple Sage Portulaca Salvia (assorted) Snapdragon Strawflower Tithonia Verbena Vinca Violas A Few Favorite Shade Annuals Asparagus Fern Bedding Impatiens Coleus Fuschia New Guinea Impatiens Plectranthus Polka Dot Plant Torenia Tuberous Begonia Wax Begonia A Few Favorite Hanging Baskets for Sun Assorted Combos Calibrachoa (Million Bells) Dragonwing Begonia Fan Flower Geranium Lantana Petunia Portulaca Vining Black-eyed Susan A Few Favorite Hanging Baskets for Shade Asparagus Fern Assorted Combos Boston Fern Chinese Lantern Fuschia Kimberley Queen Fern Macho Fern New Guinea Impatiens Pothos and other Low Light Houseplants Rabbit's Foot Fern Staghorn Fern Streptocarpella (False African Violet) Swedish Ivy Torenia Wandering Jewel (Tradescantia) A Few Favorite Annual Climbers & Vines Wire Vine Wandering Jewel (Tradescantia) Vining Black-eyed Susan Trailing Lobelia Sweet Potato Vine Swedish Ivy Nasturtium Moon Flower Dipladenia Dichondra Bacopa A Few Favorite Accents and Tropicals Alternanthera Asparagus Fern Caladium Canna Lily Dipladenia Duranta (Golden Dewdrop) Dusty Miller Elephant Ear Glitz Euphorbia Golden Shrimp Plant Licorice Plant Persian Shield Purple Shamrock Red False Banana Taro Tropical Hibiscus Related Blog Posts Roll out the Red Carpet: Tips & Picks for Vibrant Red Blooms May 19 3 min read Scented Geraniums: the Aromatic All-Stars Mar 10 5 min read Late Autumn Seed-Sowing for Spring Blooms! Tips, guidelines, and steps for success Sep 23, 2025 7 min read 1 2 3 4 5