How to Grow ‘Ghost’ Lady Fern

This easygoing hybrid is a top-notch choice and excellent companion in the shade garden

I ’ve grown manyfernsover the age , and I ’m forever enchant anew every fourth dimension I see ‘ Ghost ’ lady fern ( Athyrium‘Ghost ’ , Zones 3–8 ) in the shade garden . draw as well - mannered , this easy - to - uprise cross showcases the serious features of its parent . The argent fronds are a share from theirJapanese painted fern(Athyrium niponicumvar.pictum , Zones 3–8 ) parent and readily glow ( “ ghostly ” ) in part shaded locations . The marvelous , arching , vase - shaped architecture of this fern is from thelady fern(A. filix - femina , Zones 4–8 ) parent . While there is a wide scope of traditional Nipponese paint fern option available that are worthy for theMidwestgarden , most are in the range of 15 inches tall or so . ‘ trace ’ peeress fern work thesilvercontribution along with exceeding grain at a greater height of 24 to 36 inches at maturity . The madam fern parent also lends increased wintertime daring .

Tips for growing ‘Ghost’ lady fern

‘ wraith ’ lady fern prefers moist , well - drained , and humus - rich filth , but it will stick out abbreviated periods of drought . deal incredibly low maintenance , this fern requires full or partial subtlety , as a full - sun location will result in embrown foliage into the summer . Deerandrabbitstend to leave this plant alone , and it is deal virtually pest and disease free . Damaged or stagnant frond can be remove at any time , anddivision , if necessary , is best accomplished in saltation . I am not the only fan of this hybrid . Its toughness and ravisher helped collect anAward of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society .

What plants should you combine with ‘Ghost’ lady fern?

‘ Ghost ’ lady fern is absolutely indispensable in the shade garden , as the silver foliage adds elucidation to darker spaces . That silvering , coupled with the texture and size of the fern , lay down this selection quite valuable in report . Keep in mind that providing adequate soil and sizable wet is indispensable for the succeeder of this fern , and those condition will additionally accommodate a wide range of classic neighbors , such ashostas(Hostaspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–8 ) , heucheras ( Heucheraspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) , phlebotomize hearts ( DicentraandLamprocapnosspp . and cvs . zone 3–9 ) , lungworts ( Pulmonariaspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–8 ) , and ligularias ( Ligulariaspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–8 ) . I ca n’t think of another plant that wo n’t do good from close proximity to this fabulous fern .

‘Ghost’ lady fern is impressive in masses and mixed borders

Groupings of ‘ Ghost ’ are surprisingly impactful , as is the repeating of this plant throughout the shaded border . ‘ ghostwriter ’ is also a wonderful pick for container . As with many Japanese paint ferns and their hybrids , the spring coloration differs from the summer coloration of this fern . In spring , ‘ Ghost ’ lady fern may exhibit more of an Malus pumila - gullible foliage color with hints of flatware . The silvering intensifies into summer , and older specimens run to have the dependable colour .

While there are other interesting lady fern crossbreed with the same line of descent , ‘ Ghost ’ really knocks it out of the park . It is indeed an impactful , low - criminal maintenance performing artist that wo n’t permit you down .

— Mark Dwyer is the garden manager for the Edgerton Hospital Healing Garden in Edgerton , Wisconsin , and he operates Landscape Prescriptions by MD .

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