Ghost Fern

Ghost Fern lights up shaded beds with upright silver-green fronds carried on dark burgundy stems. Its cool color and airy texture stand out beautifully against deep-green foliage, making it an excellent accent for woodland gardens and shaded containers. In South Carolina, protect it from direct summer sun and keep the soil evenly moist for the best display. Available for local pickup from Towns Edge Nursery.

Plant details

• Botanical name: Athyrium 'Ghost'
• Light: Partial shade to full shade
• USDA zones: 4-8
• Mature size: 2-3 ft tall x 18-24 in wide
• Foliage: Deciduous silver-green fronds with dark burgundy-purple stems
• Flower or feature: Non-flowering fern valued for luminous foliage and contrasting stems
• Bloom season: No flowers; foliage emerges in spring and remains attractive through the growing season
• Water: Moderate; prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
• Growth habit: Upright clumping fern
• Landscape uses: Shade border, woodland garden, specimen, mass planting, container, and companion for hostas
• Deer tolerance: Generally deer resistant, not deer-proof

South Carolina garden note: Hopkins is near the warm edge of this fern's range, so deep afternoon shade and reliable moisture are especially important in Zone 8b.