Ghost Fern

Athyrium ‘Ghost’ is a deciduous hybrid fern with upright, frosted apple-green fronds held above dark purple stems. It brings a pale, luminous texture to shaded borders and woodland plantings, and is somewhat more tolerant of drier soil than many other Athyrium ferns. ## Identity and form [Walters Gardens](https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php?ID=ATHGH) identifies ‘Ghost’ as a cross between Japanese painted fern (A. niponicum ‘Pictum’) and lady fern (A. filix-femina). The broad fronds rise in a vase-shaped clump; allow about 24–36 inches in height and 18–24 inches in spread. It is a garden-origin hybrid rather than a synonym for either parent. ## Siting Place it in part shade or full shade. It performs best in moist soil that drains freely, though the breeder notes better tolerance of drier soil than many Athyrium. Avoid treating that relative tolerance as drought-proofing, especially while the plant establishes. Its listed hardiness is USDA zones 3–8 ([Walters Gardens](https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php?ID=ATHGH)); [JC Raulston Arboretum](https://jcra.ncsu.edu/horticulture/our-plants/results-by-name-serial-number.php?serial=119076) lists 5–9, so local winter exposure and provenance may affect the range. ## Landscape use Use it as a foliage accent in a shaded border, woodland garden, or large container where its upright silver-green fronds can contrast with broad-leaved shade plants. It produces spores rather than flowers. ## Maintenance Leave old fronds over winter to protect the crown and emerging shoots. Remove them in spring after new fronds reach roughly six inches. Divide established clumps in spring only when more plants are wanted or the clump needs renewal.