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 low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region and Walloon Region.
About
Matteuccia struthiopteris, commonly known as shuttlecock fern or ostrich fern, is a deciduous fern belonging to the Onocleaceae family. It forms a suckering habit and typically reaches 1 to 1.5 metres in height, spreading 1.5 to 2.5 metres over 5 to 10 years. This fern thrives in full or partial shade with a sheltered aspect, preferring moist but well-drained soils including clay, loam, and sand with acid to neutral pH. It is a low-maintenance plant valued for its interest in spring and summer.
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
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, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Native to
- Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Matteuccia struthiopteris
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations; benefits from mulching to retain moisture
- Pruning
- Remove old fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges
- Propagation
- Sowing spores as soon as ripe, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Matteuccia struthiopteris?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations; benefits from mulching to retain moisture.
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?
Remove old fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
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 an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Matteuccia struthiopteris?
Sowing spores as soon as ripe, Division in spring.
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