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Onoclea sensibilis (Sensitive fern)
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2 hours care
per year
per year
0.6m
Max height
Max height
2.5m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Onoclea sensibilis
Other names
Sensitive fern, Bead fern, Japanese ostrich fern, Ostrich fern
Genus
Onoclea Onoclea
Species
O. sensibilis - O. sensibilis is a deciduous fern with broad, pale green, lobed fronds.
Onoclea sensibilis is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Spreading, Arching
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Insignificant or absent in All seasons
Foliage
Pale-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
Onoclea sensibilis (Sensitive fern) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 2.5m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Bog garden, Cottage/Informal, Foliage only, Low Maintenance, Roof terrace, Underplanting, Waterside, Wildflower
Cultivation
Plant in most cool, moist, light shade in slightly acid soil. Can also tolerate very wet sites.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy
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
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
Onoclea sensibilis
Other names
Sensitive fern, Bead fern, Japanese ostrich fern, Ostrich fern
Genus
Onoclea Onoclea
Species
O. sensibilis - O. sensibilis is a deciduous fern with broad, pale green, lobed fronds.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Spreading, Arching
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Insignificant or absent in All seasons
Foliage
Pale-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
Onoclea sensibilis (Sensitive fern) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 2.5m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Bog garden, Cottage/Informal, Foliage only, Low Maintenance, Roof terrace, Underplanting, Waterside, Wildflower
Cultivation
Plant in most cool, moist, light shade in slightly acid soil. Can also tolerate very wet sites.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy
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
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: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy | 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: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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DISCUSS THIS PLANT
This plant is featured at Chelsea Flower Show 2009
There is 1 active discussion about Onoclea sensibilis (Sensitive fern)
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