About
Osmunda claytoniana, the interrupted fern, is a deciduous fern with lance-shaped, bipinnate fronds surrounding erect, central fronds in which the fertile middle pinnae are contracted and rusty-brown � creating the characteristic 'interrupted' effect that gives this fern its name. A rewarding and ornamental fern for a moist, shaded, woodland border.
About the genus
Osmunda are medium-sized to large deciduous ferns from wet habitats with erect or arching, pinnate or bipinnate fronds bearing spores either on modified pinnae or on separate, smaller fronds. Excellent ferns for moist, shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFerns, Bogs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toNorth America, Asia
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Useful for very wet sites. See how to grow ferns for further advice
PruningDead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
PropagationPropagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in early spring or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free outdoors
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free outdoors