Perennials – 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