Overview
Matteuccia struthiopteris is a suckering ferns in the genus Matteuccia, part of the Onocleaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Matteuccia struthiopteris grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden. It is native to Temperate Eurasia.
About
Matteuccia struthiopteris is a deciduous fern that spreads through stolons, creating clusters of upright rosettes that can reach up to 1.5 meters tall. It features lanceolate, bright green, bipinnatifid sterile fronds that encircle shorter, brownish fertile fronds.
About the genus
Matteuccia consists of deciduous ferns that grow from rhizomes and may develop stolons. They produce rosettes resembling shuttlecocks, featuring upright or spreading fronds that are pinnately divided. Smaller, upright fertile fronds with a bead-like appearance also emerge among the larger leaves.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Matteuccia
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Matteuccia struthiopteris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Temperate Eurasia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Matteuccia struthiopteris
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow in most cool, moist, shaded sites and useful for very wet sites
- Pruning
- Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
- Propagation
- Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free outdoors
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free outdoors
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Matteuccia struthiopteris?
Easy to grow in most cool, moist, shaded sites and useful for very wet sites.
Where is the best place to plant Matteuccia struthiopteris?
Matteuccia struthiopteris prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Matteuccia struthiopteris need?
Matteuccia struthiopteris is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Matteuccia struthiopteris?
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
How big does Matteuccia struthiopteris grow?
Matteuccia struthiopteris reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Matteuccia struthiopteris hardy in the UK?
Matteuccia struthiopteris has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Matteuccia struthiopteris?
Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring.