Athyrium niponicum var. pictum Ghost - Painted Fern

Athyrium 'Ghost' is a variety of Lady Fern that stands out for its beautiful silver-green foliage with a frosted appearance, its rather upright habit, and its improved tolerance to dry soils. Its fronds display metallic reflections ranging from pale blue-grey to silver on a green apple background.  The colour is enhanced by purple veins and stems on mature plants. A good size for an Athyrium, this hybrid variety grows into a beautiful bright clump, perfect for enhancing cool woodlands.

The Lady Fern 'Ghost' belongs to the family Athyriaceae (Dryopteridaceae). It is a horticultural hybrid variety resulting from cross-breeding between two magnificent ferns, Athyrium niponicum var. Pictum and A. filix-femina, also known as the female fern. Generally slow-growing and slow to establish in the garden, this fern will reach about 60 cm (24in) in height with a spread of 45-50 cm (18-20in). Once well-established, it becomes robust. The above-ground, deciduous vegetation forms in spring and disappears in winter.

Athyrium 'Ghost' forms a clump with a slightly spreading habit from a central point. The mature fronds, 35 to 55 cm (14 to 22in) long, are bipinnate, almost horizontal, triangular, and toothed. The rachis (central vein) and secondary veins have a purple hue, especially on mature plants. The fronds are pale green and widely covered with bluish and silvery areas. This variety has a trailing, scaly, reddish-brown rootstock.

Plant Athyrium 'Ghost' in humus-rich soil that is preferably moist, neutral to slightly acidic, and well-drained. It is primarily a plant for filtered light or partial shade, where it will reach its full potential in cool woodlands. It also thrives in rockeries with rich soil and partial shade, where it can reach impressive dimensions over time. It pairs beautifully with Corydalis, hostas, Actaeas, Solomon's seals, lily of the valley, brunneras, and trilliums. It adapts well to cultivation in large pots, in shade, with a regular application of fertiliser.