- Ghost Fern
Botanical name: athyrium niponicum var
Beginner friendly?: yes
Average size at maturity: 1 – 2 ft in height and up to a 2.5 ft spread
Hardy zone: zones 4 – 9
Foliage color: green/silver/blue/purple
Growth rate: grows about a foot a year
Pruning instructions: trim diseased or withered leaves as needed
Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge
Landscape use: groundcover, shade garden
Light needs: no more than 4 hours of sun a day
Special features: low maintenance
Watering instructions: likes continuous moist soil
Fertilizing instructions : fertilize with 20 – 20 – 20 in the mid spring
Best time to plant: spring or fall
Best type of soil: loam
Companion plants: camellias, hostas, cast irons
Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested
Invasive species: no