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 a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and low maintenance. Suggested uses include wildflower meadow and cottage and informal garden. It is native to Europe, Middle East and Africa.
About
Osmunda regalis is a sturdy, deciduous fern that develops a sizable clump of bipinnate fronds reaching up to 2.5 meters tall. The fronds feature rusty-brown spore-bearing pinnae at their ends. In autumn, the foliage transitions to a notable red-brown hue.
About the genus
Osmunda comprises medium to large deciduous ferns typically found in moist environments. They feature upright or arching fronds that are either pinnate or bipinnate. Spores are produced on modified pinnae or on distinct, smaller fronds.
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
- Native to
- Europe, Middle East, Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Osmunda regalis
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Will tolerate alkaline soils if plenty of fibrous compost is incorporated. Useful for very wet sites. 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 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?
Easy to grow in most cool, moist, lightly shaded sites and will grow in full sun if given plenty of moisture. Will tolerate alkaline soils if plenty of fibrous compost is incorporated. Useful for very wet sites. See how to grow ferns for further advice.
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?
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Osmunda regalis?
Propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe or by division in early spring or autumn.