Overview
Osmunda cinnamomea is a fern in the genus Osmunda, part of the Osmundaceae family. Osmunda cinnamomea grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include woodland gardens, bog gardens and naturalizing. It is native to Trop. America & SE Asia.
About
Osmunda cinnamomea is a fern that prefers consistently moist to wet, acidic, humus-rich soil in shaded, sheltered spots. It belongs to the Osmundaceae and is native to Trop. America & SE Asia. Plant in partial shade or shade in sheltered positions; it is hardy to H5 (hardy). It suits woodland gardens, bog gardens and naturalising and is most evident through spring and summer.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Osmundastrum cinnamomeum
About the genus
Osmunda is a genus of primarily temperate-zone ferns of family Osmundaceae. Five to ten species have been listed for this genus. They have existed since the Early Cretaceous.
Wikipedia contributors, "Osmunda", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Osmunda
In the garden
Osmunda cinnamomea is a member of the Osmundaceae native to Trop. America & SE Asia and is adapted to damp, shaded landscapes. As a fern it produces seasonal fronds that are present through spring and summer, making it a good choice where shaded, moisture-retaining planting is needed. Choose a site in partial shade or shade with a sheltered aspect and a soil that is moist to wet, acidic and rich in humus. The species tolerates persistently wet ground, so planting in water-retentive pockets or alongside other moisture-loving plants is appropriate. Hardiness is H5 (hardy), so it is suited to most UK gardens where the root zone remains cool and wet. Uses in the UK include woodland gardens, bog gardens and naturalising in damp areas; avoid placing it in exposed or drying borders. Because it relies on steady moisture and acidic conditions, place Osmunda cinnamomea where those conditions are reliable rather than on free-draining, alkaline soils. Its seasonal presence through spring and summer makes it a useful structural fern for shaded, wet corners of the garden.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Osmunda
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, acidic, humus-rich
- Soil pH
- acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist, wet
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Osmunda cinnamomea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fern
- Suggested uses
- woodland gardens, bog gardens, naturalizing
- Native to
- Trop. America & SE Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Osmunda cinnamomea
- Cultivation
- Prefers consistently moist, acidic soil in partial to full shade. Avoid dry conditions.
- Pruning
- Remove old fronds in early spring before new growth emerges.
- Propagation
- Spores, division of rhizomes
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Osmunda cinnamomea?
Prefers consistently moist, acidic soil in partial to full shade. Avoid dry conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Osmunda cinnamomea?
Osmunda cinnamomea prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Osmunda cinnamomea need?
Osmunda cinnamomea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, acidic and humus-rich. It prefers acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to wet.
How do I prune Osmunda cinnamomea?
Remove old fronds in early spring before new growth emerges.
Is Osmunda cinnamomea hardy in the UK?
Osmunda cinnamomea 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 Osmunda cinnamomea?
Spores, division of rhizomes.
More in the Osmunda genus
- Osmunda claytonianainterrupted fern
- Osmunda lancea
- Osmunda regalis 'Cristata'royal fern 'Cristata'
- Osmunda regalis var. gracilisRoyal Fern
