
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
This isn’t a Halloween plant. Ghost Fern gets its name from the silvery tips of the foliage. Ghost fern is one of the most beautiful and well-mannered ferns in the garden. It is a hybrid of Japanese painted and lady ferns. ‘Ghost’ fern is the best of both parents. Ghost fern is a slowly spreading plant that develops beautiful upright fronds highlighted with silver. The stems are dark accenting the fronds.
Like most ferns it does best in evenly moist shady soil. It is deer and rabbit resistant as well as disease and insect resistant. Since this is an upright fern it is great as a background to other shade lovers in the garden. Unlike other ferns this one won’t run rampant in your landscape.
Ghost Fern Care
Ferns are a little bit later to come up in the garden until the soil temps stay even. But once they come up, the unfurling of the fronds is a beauty to behold, much like a ballet dancer. ‘Ghost’ fern is hardy from Zone 3a-8b. Just make sure it is watered during times of drought.
Ghost Fern Spacing
Ghost fern is 2-3 ft. tall and 1 ½ ft. wide at maturity so when planting several make sure to plant them 1 ½ ft. apart. An added bonus is you can cut the fronds and use them in bouquets as well. Since ferns aren’t heavy feeders, a slow release fertilizer such as Espoma Plant Tone is ideal for keeping it happy and healthy.
Ghost Fern Plant Facts
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8 |
Flower Color(s): n/a |
Bloom Period: Grown for Foliage |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Light Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade |
Height Class: Medium |
Height: 2-3 Feet |
Spread: 1.5-2 Feet |
Spacing: 1.5-2 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Watering: Average |
Drought Tolerant: Yes |
Resists: Rabbits |
Features: Drought; Foliage Interest |
Scientific Name: Ghost' Athyrium hybrid |
Common Name: Ghost Fern |
Other Name(s): Lady Fern |
Brand: Proven Selections |
- SKU:
- ATHGH
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

Best in Class Warranty
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
Arrival Guarantee
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Free 1-Year Plant Warranty
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.