Product Description
Athyrium 'Ghost' (20)ct Flat
Common Name: Ghost Fern
A strong tall growing, light silvery gray-green almost glows, creating a ghostly appearance. Upright, arching, triangular delicate, lacey fronds have bluish to maroon midribs. Sterile hybrid sporeling cross between Japanese Painted (A. niponicum 'Pictum') and Lady (A. filix-femina).
This hardy deciduous is easy to grow in organically rich, medium to wet, well-drained soils, with a neutral to moderately acidic pH. If the frond edges start to flop, or become scorched or crispy, the soil may be too dry. Add 2 to 3 inches of compost or peat moss to the beds each spring or fall. Best frond color occurs in light shade. Use in containers, as a ground cover or for borders in woodland, shady locations.
Stunning frosted apple green fronds that seem to emit a ghostly white light in the shade. Dark purple stems hold the broad fronds rigidly upright. This selection is taller than many other Athyriums and is more tolerant of dry soil.
Athyrium grows best in moist soil with a neutral to moderately acidic pH. However, this variety can withstand drier soil than many other athyriums. Partial to full shade is best; some sunlight is necessary to draw out the coloring. To protect the crowns and tender shoots in the spring, it is best to leave the old fronds on the plant over the winter. They can be removed in the spring when the new fronds reach 6 inches tall. If division is necessary, do so in the spring.
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 2012
Missouri Botanical Garden Plants of Merit
Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluation Top Performer -- 2015
Height: 24.0-36.0 Inches
Spread: 18.0-24.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Foliage Color: Green shades, Deciduous
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Ground Cover, Attractive Foliage
Athyrium 'Ghost' is a hybrid fern that results from a cross between the Japanese Painted fern (Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum') and the Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina). It was discovered in the garden of Nancy Swell on the east coast of the United States. This deciduous fern is prized for its unique silvery-green fronds that add an ethereal touch to any shade garden. This unique fern inherits the upright habit and better drought tolerance from the Lady fern and the silvery leaves with maroon midribs from the Japanese Painted fern.
Care Requirements Athyrium 'Ghost' thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a neutral to moderately acidic pH. While it prefers shade, some sunlight can enhance the silvery coloration of the fronds. The best silver frond color occurs in light shade. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season, although it is more tolerant of dry conditions than other ferns. It is also more tolerant of brief dry spells than most ferns of its type.
- Planting When planting Athyrium 'Ghost', choose a location with partial to full shade. Amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and moisture retention. Plant the fern with the crown at soil level, being careful not to bury it too deep. Space plants about 10-16 inches apart. It can tolerate some standing water.
- Watering Water regularly, especially during the first year and in dry periods, to maintain evenly moist soil. Once established, Athyrium 'Ghost' can tolerate some dryness, but consistent moisture promotes optimal growth.
- Fertilizing Fertilize frequently during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer applied in spring is usually sufficient.
- Pruning Minimal pruning is needed for Athyrium 'Ghost'. To protect the crowns and tender shoots in the spring, it is best to leave the old fronds on the plant over the winter. They can be removed in the spring when the new fronds reach 6 inches tall.
Growth Characteristics Athyrium 'Ghost' typically grows to a height of 24-36 inches with a spread of 18-24 inches. It has an upright growth habit with rigid fronds. The fronds emerge silvery-green in spring and gradually transition to a grayish-green as temperatures rise. With their metallic silver sheen, the fronds seem to glow, with maroon midribs adding accents in the shade. The dark purple midribs provide a striking contrast to the silvery foliage, and hints of burgundy further enhance its unique appearance.
Companion Plants Athyrium 'Ghost' fern pairs well with other shade-loving plants in a woodland garden setting. Some suitable companion plants include:
- Hostas (Hosta) : Hostas come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, making them versatile companions for Athyrium 'Ghost'. Their bold foliage provides a contrasting texture to the delicate fronds of the fern.
- Coral bells (Heuchera) : Coral bells offer a range of foliage colors, from deep purples and reds to vibrant greens and yellows. Their mounding habit complements the upright form of Athyrium 'Ghost'.
- Bleeding hearts (Dicentra) : Bleeding hearts are known for their delicate, heart-shaped flowers that bloom in spring. They provide a touch of romance to the woodland garden and their foliage contrasts beautifully with the fern's fronds.
- Lungwort (Pulmonaria) : Lungwort is an early spring bloomer with spotted foliage that adds interest to the garden even after the flowers fade. Its low-growing habit makes it a good ground cover around the base of Athyrium 'Ghost'.
- Ligularia (Ligularia) : Ligularia, also known as leopard plant, has large, rounded leaves and tall flower spikes. It adds height and drama to the woodland garden and thrives in similar growing conditions to Athyrium 'Ghost'.
- Astilbe : Astilbe produces feathery plumes of flowers in a variety of colors. It prefers moist soil and shade, making it a good companion for Athyrium 'Ghost' in a woodland setting.
- Foamflower (Tiarella) : Foamflower is a low-growing ground cover with delicate flowers and attractive foliage. It thrives in moist, shady conditions and adds texture to the woodland garden.
- Wild ginger (Asarum) : Wild ginger is another excellent ground cover for shade with unique foliage and interesting flowers. It spreads slowly to form a dense mat that suppresses weeds.
- Columbine (Aquilegia) : Columbine is a charming woodland plant with bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors. It adds a touch of whimsy to the garden and attracts pollinators.
- Epimedium : Epimedium, also known as barrenwort, is a low-maintenance ground cover with delicate flowers and attractive foliage. It tolerates dry shade and adds a touch of elegance to the woodland garden.
- Helleborus : Helleborus, also known as Lenten rose, is a shade-loving perennial that blooms in late winter or early spring. Its flowers provide early season color and its evergreen foliage adds interest throughout the year.
Wildlife Benefits Athyrium 'Ghost' fern not only enhances the beauty of a woodland garden but also provides benefits for wildlife. Its clump-forming habit creates hiding spots from predators and damp, cool areas during the hot summer months. This makes it a valuable addition to a wildlife-friendly garden, providing shelter and habitat for beneficial creatures.
Design Ideas The unique form and color of Athyrium 'Ghost' make it a versatile plant for various garden designs. Its upright, silvery fronds create a stunning backdrop for hostas, allowing their diverse foliage colors and textures to stand out. It can also be paired with coral bells, whose colorful foliage complements the fern's silvery hues.
Native Habitat Athyrium 'Ghost' is a hybrid fern and therefore does not have a native habitat in the traditional sense. However, its parent plants, the Japanese Painted fern and the Lady fern, are native to moist forest and woodland settings in temperate regions of Asia and North America, respectively.
Athyrium 'Ghost' is a captivating fern that brings a touch of magic to any shade garden. Its unique silvery foliage, upright growth habit, and tolerance for dry conditions make it a standout choice for gardeners of all levels. Whether used as a backdrop for hostas, a companion for coral bells, or a focal point in a woodland setting, Athyrium 'Ghost' is sure to enchant with its ethereal beauty. Consider adding this remarkable fern to your own garden and enjoy its captivating presence for years to come.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
