Ostrich Fern

One of the most beautiful ferns for a damp or even a wet site, Matteuccia struthiopteris is known as the ostrich fern for its beautiful, fresh green, feather-like sterile fronds. These surround shorter, brown fertile ones at the centre. It’s a tall (up to 6’/1.8m), vigorous, deciduous fern with an elegant, upright to arching ‘shuttlecock’ habit, and will slowly spread to form large colonies where suited. A wonderful fern to establish in a semi-wild bog garden or beside a stream. Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Sheltered
Soils: humus-rich, well-drained soil which does not dry out
Position: Partial shade, full shade
Season of interest: Spring, summer, autumn
Hardiness: Hardy
Height to 4’ (1.2m) Spread to 1’6” (75cm)