Species
Athyrium niponicumJapanese painted fern16 other cultivars
‘Pictum’Pictum Japanese Painted Fern
‘Wildwood Twist’Japanese Painted Fern 'Wildwood Twist'
‘Japanese Painted Fern’Japanese Painted Fern
‘Metallicum’Metallicum Japanese Painted Fern
‘Regal Red’Regal Red Japanese Painted Fern
‘Crested Surf’Crested Surf Japanese Fern
‘HH-03CH108’Crested Surf Japanese Painted Fern
‘Mix’Japanese Painted Fern
‘Thrill Seeker’Japanese Painted Fern Thrill Seeker
‘Silver Falls’Japanese Painted Fern 'Silver Falls'
‘Joy Ride’Joy Ride Japanese Painted Fern
‘Burgundy Lace’Japanese Painted Fern Burgundy Lace
‘Lemon Cream’Lemon Cream Japanese Painted Fern
‘Apple Court’Japanese Painted Fern Apple Court
‘Chungdu Queen’Chungdu Queen Japanese Painted Fern
‘Soul Mate’Japanese Painted Fern Soul Mate
The Story
Plant Bio
'Ghost' is a deciduous fern, a hybrid of Japanese painted fern and lady fern. It forms a slowly spreading clump of upright, silvery-grey fronds on dark purple stems.
The 'Ghost' cultivar is popular for its distinctive ghostly appearance, with silvery fronds that have a unique ethereal quality.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
30 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moist
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Garden Origin
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a shaded location with well-draining, moist soil.
- Tuck spores or divisions into the soil in early spring or fall.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during propagation.
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Apply a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growing season.
Pro Tip
Maintain high humidity around the plant for optimal growth and vibrant foliage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Provide filtered or partial shade
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Ghost Fern questions
What zones can Ghost Fern grow in?
Ghost Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Ghost Fern deer resistant?
Yes — Ghost Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
Does Ghost Fern need full sun?
Ghost Fern does best in part shade.
More Athyrium to compare
Lady Fern
Athyrium filix-femina
Pictum Japanese Painted Fern
Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'
Lady in Red Fern
Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red'
Japanese Painted Fern
Athyrium niponicum 'Japanese Painted Fern'
Okanum fern
Athyrium otophorum 'Okanum'
Tatting Fern
Athyrium filix-femina 'Frizelliae'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Ghost Fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.