Ghost Fern (Athyrium 'Ghost')

Ghost Fern (Athyrium 'Ghost') is an upright, mounding deciduous fern with frosted apple-green fronds and dark purple stems. The foliage becomes more silvery-gray during summer, adding a light-toned contrast to shaded plantings.

This hybrid of Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' and Athyrium filix-femina thrives in rich, moist, acidic soil with some shade. It is grown for its foliage rather than flowers and is not evergreen.

Growing details

• Plant type: Deciduous fern
• Parentage: A. niponicum 'Pictum' × A. filix-femina
• Mature size: 2–3 feet tall and wide
• Spacing: Approximately 2 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–9
• Light: Part sun to full shade
• Soil: Rich, moist, acidic soil
• Foliage: Frosted apple-green fronds becoming silvery-gray in summer, with dark purple stems

Care and garden use

Water regularly to maintain moist soil. Remove old fronds to make room for new growth.

Use as an accent or in grouped plantings, borders, woodland gardens, naturalized areas, or containers. It can also suit a shaded rock garden where its moisture needs can be met. Pair with astilbe, hosta, or coral bells for contrasting foliage and texture.

Image credits: Photo by David J. Stang, Athyrium x Ghost 2zz, CC BY-SA 4.0; photo by cultivar413, Carex 'Evergold', Athyrium 'Ghost', Pieris japonica 'White Rim', Lilium 'Casablanca', Begonia semperflorens 'Ambassador White', Antennaria rosea subsp. pulvinata 30716; photo by Leonora (Ellie) Enking, Ferns. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.