Athyrium x 'Ghost'

'Ghost' Lady Fern Athyriaceae

A ghostly apparition that is considerably more useful in the garden than most! This striking sterile hybrid combines the upright habit of Lady Fern with the frosted, silvery colouring of Japanese Painted Fern. The fronds emerge a luminous silver-grey over fresh apple-green, carried on contrasting dark maroon-purple midribs and stems. The silver is strongest in spring, gradually becoming softer grey-green as summer advances, while the rigidly upright habit gives the plant a presence quite unlike the more spreading Athyrium niponicum cultivars. 

‘Ghost’ arose as a chance sporling in the garden of Nancy Swell in Richmond, Virginia, apparently from Athyrium niponicum var. pictum × A. filix-femina. Nancy named it ‘Ghost’ because of its unusually upright habit—“when you see a ghost your hair stands on end!” 

A superb choice for moist woodland conditions, although notably more tolerant of relatively dry soil than many Athyrium. Best colour develops in partial to full shade.

• Hardiness: H6, approximately -20 to -15°C
• Height: 45–75 cm
• Spread: 30–60 cm
• Foliage: Deciduous
• Season: New growth brightest in spring
• Position: Partial to full shade
• Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained
• Parentage: Athyrium niponicum var. pictum × A. filix-femina
• Origin: Chance sporling found in Nancy Swell’s garden, Richmond, Virginia
• Nomenclature: Athyrium × ‘Ghost’