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Athyrium nipponicum 'Ghost'

Common Name(s):

Lady fern

Ghost fern

Synonym:

Athrium x 'Ghost'

Ghost painted fern

Flower:

No Flower

Blooms :

​

to:

​

​

Botanical Description

Fragrant?

NO

Family:

Athyriaceae

Fern

Foliage:

Silvery frond

Silvery grey-green fronds are broad, bipinnate with funely cut dekucate foliage

Fall Color?

NO

​

Deciduous

Photo by: 

Heading 6

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Oregon Native?

NO

West State Native?

NO

Origins:

Hybrid

Site Selection

Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:

4

Water Needs:

M

Sun Needs:

Shade

Deer Resistant?

YES

Firewise?

NO

Height:

2-2.5'

Spread:

1.5-2'

Growth Rate:

Slow

Native Habitat:

Hybridso has no native habitat

Soil:

Humusy soil

Care Recommendations

Maintenance Level:

Low

Fertilizer:

Benefits from a springtime topdressing of organic compost

Mulch:

Apply a 1-2" layer of organic mulch such as shredded bark, leaf mold, or pine needles in spring

Thrives in part to full shade, maintain moist soil, use organic compost or rotted leaves to boost soil organic matter in spring, leave dead fronds in fall to protect crown, divide every 3-4 years in spring

Long Term:

Winter:

Ensure soil does not dry out, mulch if not done in fall

Spring:

Remove tattered fronds, divide every few years

Summer:

Maintain moist soil, apply 2-3" of mulch, moniitor for pests

Fall:

Maintain moist soil, provide winter protection by applying mulch to crown

General Care Comments:

Thrives in part to full shade, consistent moist fertile soil, and sheltered spots

Common Problems

Does't tolerate full sun

Diseases:

Root rot if soil gets waterlogged, anthracnose leaf spot

Insects:

Aphids, whiteflies, thrips, mealybugs, vlack vine weevils

Environmental Problems:

Too much sun bleaches leaves

Pests:

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