Overview
Osmunda regalis var. gracilis is a fern in the genus Osmunda, part of the Osmundaceae family. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Osmunda regalis var. gracilis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to SFF Iguaque.
About
Osmunda regalis var. gracilis is a fern that reaches around 2.0 m and is notable for its tall, architectural fronds. It originates from SFF Iguaque. Plant it in full sun on sandy, loamy or clay soils that remain moist to wet. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and is most relevant in spring and summer.
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
In the garden
Osmunda regalis var. gracilis is a large fern from SFF Iguaque that produces upright fronds to about 2.0 m. Its season of interest is spring and summer, when the foliage provides height and shape in moist parts of the garden. The species suits sites where ground remains consistently damp. Give it a sunny position and a soil that can range from sandy through loamy to clay, provided moisture is retained; the plant tolerates both moist but well-drained ground and genuinely wet soil. In UK terms it is fully hardy (H7) and also aligns with USDA zones 4–9, so it withstands regular winter conditions across Britain. Keep soil reliably moist during establishment and avoid prolonged drought. In the garden use it where height and a moisture-loving habit are required: the back of a damp border, the margins of water features, or a dedicated wet area. Allow space for its mature height and the way the fronds occupy vertical space. Plan for roughly 2.0 m of vertical clearance so the spring and summer fronds can form a clear, tall backdrop without being crowded.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Osmunda
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Osmunda regalis var. gracilis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Fern
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Native to
- SFF Iguaque
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Osmunda regalis var. gracilis?
Osmunda regalis var. gracilis prefers full sun.
What soil does Osmunda regalis var. gracilis need?
Osmunda regalis var. gracilis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How big does Osmunda regalis var. gracilis grow?
Osmunda regalis var. gracilis reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Osmunda regalis var. gracilis hardy in the UK?
Osmunda regalis var. gracilis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
More in the Osmunda genus
- Osmunda cinnamomeacinnamon fern
- Osmunda claytonianainterrupted fern
- Osmunda lancea
- Osmunda regalis 'Cristata'royal fern 'Cristata'
