Intermediate
skill rating
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Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich fern)
2 hours care
per year
per year
1.5m
Max height
Max height
2.5m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Other names
Ostrich fern, Ostrich-feather fern, Shuttlecock fern
Genus
Matteuccia Matteuccia
Species
M. struthiopteris - M. struthiopteris is a deciduous fern forming large erect rosettes with bright green, fronds surrounding shorter, brownish fronds.
Matteuccia struthiopteris is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Spreading
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Insignificant or absent in All seasons
Foliage
Dark-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds.
Propagation methods
Division, Spores
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Where to grow
Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich fern) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 2.5m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Underplanting, Wildflower, Foliage only
Cultivation
Plant in most cool, moist, shade. Can tolerate very wet sites.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Other names
Ostrich fern, Ostrich-feather fern, Shuttlecock fern
Genus
Matteuccia Matteuccia
Species
M. struthiopteris - M. struthiopteris is a deciduous fern forming large erect rosettes with bright green, fronds surrounding shorter, brownish fronds.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Spreading
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Insignificant or absent in All seasons
Foliage
Dark-green in Summer
General care
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged fronds.
Propagation methods
Division, Spores
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich fern) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 2.5m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Underplanting, Wildflower, Foliage only
Cultivation
Plant in most cool, moist, shade. Can tolerate very wet sites.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Clay, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Shade | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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DISCUSS THIS PLANT
This plant is featured at Chelsea Flower Show 2009
This plant is featured at Chelsea Flower Show 2009
There are 4 active discussions about Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich fern)
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