Athyrium 'Ghost' Fern
Zone 3 to 8,
Filtered sun to shade, may be grown in northern zones full sun with adequate moisture. Partial to full shade is best; some sunlight is necessary to draw out the coloring.
Mature foliage height 24 to 36 inches, Spreads 18 to 24 inches; Deciduous.
A strong tall growing, light silvery gray-green fern almost glows, creating a ghostly appearance. Upright, arching, triangular delicate, lacey fronds have bluish to maroon midribs. Sterile hybrid sporeling cross between Japanese Painted fern (A. niponicum 'Pictum') and Lady Fern (A. filix-femina).
This hardy deciduous fern 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.
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.
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