- USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8
- Height 2-3 Feet Tall
- Spread 1.5-2 Feet Wide
- Light Requirement is Full Shade to Partial Shade
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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.