Ghost Fern

Athyrium x 'Ghost'

Nature Hills Nursery

Silvery-Gray Fronds with Upright Habit: the Perfect Ghost Fern for Shade Gardens
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 2-3 ft Tall, 1-2 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Great Choice for Foundation Planting in Cottage Gardens

$34⁵⁴

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant this fern in full shade to partial shade, avoiding direct afternoon sun that can scorch the delicate fronds. The silvery-white foliage is specifically designed to reflect light, making it perfect for brightening up dark corners of a shade garden.
Soil: These ferns thrive in rich, organic soil that stays consistently moist but drains well enough to prevent rot. If you are working with heavy clay or sandy soil, amend it generously with compost or leaf mold to create that spongy, forest-floor texture roots love.

Watering Requirements

Consistent moisture is non-negotiable for ferns, especially during the first year while the root system establishes. Do not let the soil dry out completely, as this causes the frond edges to turn brown and crispy. Applying a layer of mulch around the crown helps retain necessary soil moisture and keeps the roots cool during summer heat.

Pruning Tips

Clean up the plant by cutting the old, tattered fronds down to the ground in late winter or very early spring. It is important to do this before the new "fiddleheads" begin to uncurl so you don't accidentally snip the new growth. Removing the old foliage improves air circulation and ensures the fresh, silvery fronds are the star of the show.

Fertilizer Needs

Ferns are generally light feeders, so a single application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is sufficient. You can also simply top-dress the area with compost each spring to provide nutrients naturally. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season, which can push weak growth that is susceptible to winter damage.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Wet Soils, Deer-resistant, Groundcover, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Partial shade
Height	2-3 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact
Blooms In	Spring
Foliage Color	Green, Other, Variegated
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Fern
Botanical Name	Athyrium x 'Ghost'
Species	x
Cultivar	Ghost
Class	Polypodiopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

The gossamer fronds and lacy foliage of the Ghost Fern (Athyrium x 'Ghost') are most noted for their gorgeous foliage. Growing in upright clumps, each delicate frond sparkles with a silvery overlay.

The unique foliage color is acquired from its Japanese Painted Fern parentage. While the upright habit is inherited from the Lady Fern side of the family. The combination creates a fantastic textural interest in any shade garden!

The finely divided, double pinnate gray-green leaf, with a silver frost, adds incredible lushness and texture anywhere it is planted! Each frond unfurls beautifully and is incredibly graceful, waving gently in the breeze! The slowly spreading clump of the frond's unique coloration is contrasted by the darker maroon midribs.

The fronds become more grayish-green as summer warmer temperatures arrive. Spreading politely throughout your garden, these slowly colonize their space without overtaking or overpowering an area! Hardy to a wide USDA planting zone range of 4 to 8, these soft and silvery perennial Ferns grow about 30 inches tall and 2 feet wide.

Planting and Application:

This Fern is best used in shade gardens or shaded borders as edging. Gracefully lining walkways and paths, or framing garden beds in greenery. Use to skirt the bare stems of shrubs and trees as edging, as a finishing touch, and facer plant. Seating areas, birdbaths, outdoor sculptures, and urns become the main features with a fringe of these around their bases. However, the more you plant, the stronger the ghostly effect becomes!

Gorgeous as a single specimen container planting, or in showy groupings throughout the shade garden landscape! Create a focal point planting by clustering these in a grouping of 3 or more for a stand-out accent! The fronds will shine in the Moon Garden surrounded by other plants with silvery foliage or white blooms!

Plant en masse under large trees and woodland edges of your property. Ghost Fern sparkles in the dappled sun as an underplanting or winding around your pathways and a shaded driveway.

Its love for moisture makes it fantastic when combined in Rain Gardens, with water features, and in shady gardens near streams or ponds! Include in your moist, shady Perennial and Cottage gardens as a lush green backdrop that highlights your other shade-loving plants and perennials.

Add to your Cutting gardens for season-long access to fantastic floral arrangement greenery and filler! Plant one as an accent or specimen planting in your favorite garden urn. Or highlight the Ghost Fern on a raised berm to further set it apart!

Soft Gray-Green Fronds With A Silvery Sheen
Darker Maroon Midribs
Upright Growth With A Polite Spreading Habit
Hybrid Cross of Lady Fern & Japanese Painted Fern
Great for Edging, En Masse & Around Water Features

#ProPlantTips for Care:

These luscious easy-to-grow Ferns can gain decent height in the garden! Lending low-maintenance, tall greenery and a soothing silvery sheen that looks fantastic in the dappled shade. They also tolerate a bit more sun in cooler climates but always appreciate afternoon shade. Preferring full shade and afternoon shade in the warmer of its hardiness zones.

The Ghost Fern is easily grown in organically rich, medium to wet, well-drained soil. The best site for this plant is in a sheltered location. The Ghost Fern will tolerate more soil dryness than some other Ferns once established, but the roots must not be allowed to dry out completely.

A generous layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture as well as insulate the root system from heat and chill. Divide plants in the early spring before new growth emerges. In spring before new growth begins, tidy up the mounds by removing or gently raking away any old, dead debris.

Highly deer, rabbit, pest, insect, and disease resistant, Ghost Fern is a very tolerant and resilient garden addition. Providing visual interest throughout the growing season!

Thrives In Shade & Partial Shade
Any Well-Drained Rich Soil - Tolerates Drier Soils & Wet Soils
Moderate to High Moisture
Appreciates Mulched, Rich Organic Beds
Deer & Rabbit-Resistant Easy-Care & Low-Maintenance

Enjoy the silvery fronds to highlight your dappled shade! Order the fantastic Ghost Fern for your landscape this year by ordering at NatureHills.com today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones is Ghost Fern hardy in?

Ghost Fern is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8. This wide hardiness range makes it suitable for most temperate climates across the United States. Plant in consistently moist, well-draining soil in partial to full shade for best results.

How fast does Ghost Fern grow and when will I see full size?

Ghost Fern grows at a moderate pace, reaching its full 30-inch height and 2-foot spread over 2-3 growing seasons. These hardy perennials (zones 4-8) spread politely without becoming invasive. For best results, plant in spring and expect noticeable growth by mid-summer. Shop quality Ghost Ferns at naturehills.com.

Does Ghost Fern produce flowers and if so, what color and when do they bloom?

Ghost Fern does not produce flowers, as ferns reproduce through spores rather than blooms. This perennial focuses its energy on creating stunning silvery-gray foliage with maroon midribs that provides season-long interest in zones 4-8. Enjoy the graceful fronds as your primary ornamental feature in shade gardens.

Is Ghost Fern deer resistant or will deer eat it?

Ghost Fern is generally deer resistant, as most ferns are naturally unpalatable to deer due to their texture and taste. The silvery fronds and lacy foliage typically remain undamaged even in areas with deer pressure. For best results in zones 4-8, plant in shaded areas where the fern's natural deer resistance combines with less deer traffic.

How do I care for Ghost Fern during winter months?

Ghost Fern is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and dies back naturally in winter. Simply cut back the brown fronds to ground level after the first hard frost. The roots will remain dormant underground and send up fresh silvery fronds in spring. Shop quality Ghost Ferns at naturehills.com.

Ghost Fern

Athyrium x 'Ghost'