lady fern Interesting Notes

Athyrium × ‘Ghost’ is a cross between A. niponicum var. pictum and A. filix-femina coming from the Virginia garden of Nancy Swell. Sword-like spears of upright silvery-grey foliage grow 2-3’ tall and spreads slowly by rhizome. Center stems are a deep blood red, creating a dynamic contrast that brings depth and highlight into the shade garden. A beautiful, fine-textured foliage to offset bolder leaves like Carex platyphylla, pick up the silver-toned foliage of Heuchera ‘Dale’s Strain’, or play against the deep purple of Geranium maculatum ‘Espresso’.

A hybrid cross of two deciduous ferns, Athyrium × ‘Ghost’ prefers humus-rich woodlands and shady borders in acidic to neutral, moist, well-drained soils. To maximize the Ghost-like silver appearance of the fronds, allow the plant to be in light shade. It can take short dry periods better than most ferns but does not like to dry out. To preserve the upright nature of the fronds, provide a sheltered location.

Athryiums are highly adaptable shade groundcovers and resist forage by deer and rabbits while also being a wonderful plant for clay and wet soils. It is a very low maintenance plant and has virtually no pest or disease issues.

Athyrium × 'Ghost' Growing and Maintenance Tips

This cross between A. filix-femina and A. niponicum can be grown in humus-rich woodlands and shady borders in acidic to neutral, moist, well-drained soils. Spreads by shallow rhizomes. Propagate by division in spring. Best used as a groundcover in the woodland or rock garden or as an edge or border in the shaded garden.

Good Substitutions

Athyrium filix-femina 'Victoriae'

Athyrium angustum forma rubellum 'Lady in Red'

Athyrium otophorum

Athyrium niponicum 'Regal Red'