Overview
Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens' is a tufted ferns in the genus Osmunda, part of the Osmundaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and acid and neutral 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
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 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 'Purpurascens'
- 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
Where is the best place to plant Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens'?
Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens' need?
Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens' grows best in clay and loam soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens' grow?
Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens' reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens' hardy in the UK?
Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens' 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 'Purpurascens'?
Sowing spores as soon as ripe, Division in early spring or autumn.