Overview
Matteuccia orientalis is a fern in the genus Matteuccia, part of the Onocleaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Matteuccia orientalis grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Asia.
About
Matteuccia orientalis is a shade-loving fern from Asia that produces upright fronds to about 0.6 m. It favours partial shade to full shade and needs a moist but well-drained soil. It tolerates a range of soil textures — sandy, loamy or clay — and is fully hardy in the UK. The plant remains in season into autumn.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pentarhizidium orientale
About the genus
Matteuccia is a genus of ferns with one species: Matteuccia struthiopteris. The species epithet struthiopteris comes from Ancient Greek words στρουθίων (strouthíōn) "ostrich" and πτερίς (pterís) "fern".
Wikipedia contributors, "Matteuccia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Matteuccia
In the garden
Matteuccia orientalis is a fern native to Asia, marketed also as Oriental ostrich fern or Eastern Ostrich Plume and placed in the Onocleaceae family. Individual plants reach roughly 0.6 m, making them a compact choice for shaded parts of the garden where taller herbaceous perennials would overwhelm the space. Position the plant where it will receive partial shade or full shade; strong sun will stress the fronds. It accepts sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they stay moist but drain freely — avoid waterlogging. In UK terms it is H7, fully hardy, and corresponds to USDA zones 4–8, so it will withstand typical winter conditions across most British gardens. Use Matteuccia orientalis in shaded herbaceous borders, under tree canopies where light is filtered, or within a woodland-style planting where soil remains damp but not saturated. Expect upright fronds to reach about 0.6 m and to persist in the border into autumn, providing a steady, low-height fern presence through the season.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Matteuccia
- Sunlight
- Partial shade, Shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Matteuccia orientalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fern
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Native to
- Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Matteuccia orientalis
- Propagation
- Spores, Division
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Matteuccia orientalis?
Matteuccia orientalis prefers partial shade and shade.
What soil does Matteuccia orientalis need?
Matteuccia orientalis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Matteuccia orientalis grow?
Matteuccia orientalis reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Matteuccia orientalis hardy in the UK?
Matteuccia orientalis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Matteuccia orientalis?
Spores, Division.
