Overview
Osmunda regalis is a clump forming bogs in the genus Osmunda, part of the Osmundaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Osmunda regalis grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include wildflower meadow, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to SFF Iguaque.
About
Osmunda regalis, or royal fern, is a species of deciduous fern, native to Europe, North Africa and West Asia, growing in woodland bogs and on the banks of streams. The species is sometimes known as flowering fern due to the appearance of its fertile fronds.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Osmunda regalis
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Osmunda
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Osmunda regalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bogs, Ferns
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Native to
- SFF Iguaque
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Osmunda regalis
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, acidic to neutral soils in partial to full shade; tolerates wet conditions; benefits from organic matter
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring before new growth emerges
- Propagation
- Sowing spores as soon as ripe, Division in early spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free outdoors
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free outdoors
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Osmunda regalis?
Prefers moist, acidic to neutral soils in partial to full shade; tolerates wet conditions; benefits from organic matter.
Where is the best place to plant Osmunda regalis?
Osmunda regalis prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Osmunda regalis need?
Osmunda regalis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay and loam. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
How do I prune Osmunda regalis?
Remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring before new growth emerges.
How big does Osmunda regalis grow?
Osmunda regalis reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Osmunda regalis hardy in the UK?
Osmunda regalis has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Osmunda regalis?
Sowing spores as soon as ripe, Division in early spring or autumn.
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