About
Osmunda regalis 'Purpurascens' displays magnificent red / purple new fronds which gradually revert to green through the season. The red / purple colour persists on the stems. Erect bipinnate fronds often showing smaller finer divided leaflets and wider spaced pinnules than displayed on O. regalis.
About the genus
Osmunda are medium-sized to large deciduous ferns, usually from wet places, with erect or arching, pinnate or bipinnate fronds, bearing spores either on modified pinnae or on separate, smaller fronds
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeFerns
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationBest grown in moist soils in partial shade. For more information see our advice page how to grow ferns.
PruningDead or damaged fronds can be removed as necessary
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free