About
Osmunda regalis, the royal fern, is a tough, deciduous fern forming a large clump of bipinnate fronds to 2.5 m tall bearing rusty-brown spore-bearing pinnae at the tips. Foliage turns attractive red-brown in autumn. One of the most stately of all ferns � excellent for a moist, shaded, woodland border or boggy ground.
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
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBogs, Ferns
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden
Native toEurope, Middle East, Africa
Care notes
CultivationEasy 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
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