Overview
Onoclea sensibilis is a suckering bogs in the genus Onoclea, part of the Onocleaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Onoclea sensibilis grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildflower meadow. It is native to E North America and Asia.
About
Onoclea sensibilis is a deciduous fern characterized by its rhizomatous growth, which allows it to create large colonies. It features broad, light green pinnate fronds that can reach lengths of up to 60 cm, with deeply lobed pinnae. The fertile fronds are shorter and narrower, displaying significantly reduced, darker lobes that are almost black in appearance.
About the genus
Onoclea comprises deciduous ferns characterized by their creeping rhizomes and finely divided, sterile fronds. The spores are produced on upright, darker, and more compact fertile fronds.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Onoclea
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Onoclea sensibilis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bogs, Ferns
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
- Native to
- E North America, Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Onoclea sensibilis
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow in most cool, moist, shaded sites. Good for pondside plantings but has the potential to become a nuisance if left unchecked in smaller gardens. See how to grow ferns for further advice
- 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 Onoclea sensibilis?
Easy to grow in most cool, moist, shaded sites. Good for pondside plantings but has the potential to become a nuisance if left unchecked in smaller gardens. See how to grow ferns for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Onoclea sensibilis?
Onoclea sensibilis prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Onoclea sensibilis need?
Onoclea sensibilis 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 to poorly-drained.
How do I prune Onoclea sensibilis?
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
How big does Onoclea sensibilis grow?
Onoclea sensibilis reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Onoclea sensibilis hardy in the UK?
Onoclea sensibilis has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Onoclea sensibilis?
Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in spring.