This product does not ship to: Idaho
Availability : In Stock

Ostrich Fern

Proven Selections

Availability : Pre-Order
Availability : In Stock
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$29.49
This product does not ship to: Idaho
  • Full Shade to Full Sun (Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions)
  • Height 3 - 6 Feet
  • Width 3 - 4 Feet
  • Growing Zones 3-7

The King of Ferns, Ostrich Fern Matteuccia struthiopteris is the largest of the native ferns that have been grown in gardens predating Victorian times and are once again enjoying a popularity among gardeners. This tall stately fern is tolerant of sun or shade, making it a versatile addition to informal gardens across the country. It spreads naturally throughout your garden bed, and makes a spectacular display. Due to its eventual size, you will want to allot a larger area to this whopper!

Native to North America and thriving in particular in the Northern regions, Ostrich Ferns can be found in shaded woodlands across our nation. Hardy from Zones 3-7, it needs the cool winter temperatures to regenerate its growth for the next spring. It is deer and rabbit resistant and is typically not bothered by insects or plant diseases, making it a great choice for your full sun or shade garden. As a rule of thumb, if your region is particularly cold, plant it in full sun, and if you get quite warm during summer, consider planting it where it will receive some shade, if not full shade. It’s that versatile!

Ostrich Fern Care

Ostrich Fern is going to be the happiest in rich humus soil that remains on the cool side. If you are going to plant it in full sun, provide it a consistently moist well draining soil. Very few plants enjoy having their roots sit in pooling water. Mulching your plants year round is recommended to help maintain soil moisture, especially in full sun locations. Fertilizing is not needed as the well rotted organic material that is present in rich fertile soil is enough to feed your ferns. It takes about two years to fully establish your fern so keep the water consistent during that time. A well established plant can tolerate some soil moisture fluctuations. Plant your fern with the crown at or slightly below soil level for best results. Too deep and you will create a possibility of crown rot. Preferring a slightly acidic soil with a range of 5.5 to 6.5, Ostrich Fern will tolerate more acidic soils as well.

Deadheading is not an issue here, but prune out any dead or yellowing fronds down to the ground and discard debris immediately. Ostrich Fern grows by sending out rhizomes and starting new colonies from there. If you do not want it to spread as much, harvest the fiddleheads, the fist sized curled new growth that emerges when the plant is establishing a new clump, as they are a culinary delicacy when cooked. In fact, this species is the gourmet source for fiddleheads in fine restaurants.

Ostrich Fern Spacing

Space your Ostrich Fern 36 to 48 inches apart. Growing up to 7 feet tall and spreading out about 4 feet wide, you are going to need plenty of room to grow. These ferns spread out fan-like at the top and make an excellent cover for some small marginal perennials that benefit from the shade this spectacular fern affords. The tall fronds sway in the breeze, creating a tropical feel to your garden. Bring back an informal, old fashioned feel to your spring to fall garden this year.

Ostrich Fern Information

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
Plant Type: Perennial
Sunlight Exposure: Full Shade to Full Sun
Mature Height: 3 - 6 Feet
Mature Width: 3 - 4 Feet
Plant Spacing: 3 - 4 Feet
Growth Habit: Upright
Flower Color(s): None
Seasonal Interest: Grown for Foliage
Foliage Type: Herbaceous
Foliage Color(s): Dark Green
Resists: Deer, Rabbits
Tolerates: Drought
Features: Foliage Interest, Native to North America
Uses: Border Plant, Container, Landscape, Groundcover, Mass Planting
Plant Brand: Proven Winners
Botanical/Scientific Name: Matteuccia struthiopteris
SKU:
MATST

Container Sizes

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

4.5 Pot

4.5" Pot
 Also Known As:
   4.5" Container

 Plant Age:
   ~ 6 months
 Plant Size:
   ~ 3"-6"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
 Volume:
   1.42 quarts

Quart Pot

Quart Pot
 Also Known As:
   Quart

 Plant Age:
   ~ 6 months - 1 year
 Plant Size:
   ~ 4"-8"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
 Volume:
   1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart

2.5 Quart
 Also Known As:
   2.5 Quart Pot

 Plant Age:
   ~ 1 - 2 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 8"-12"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
 Volume:
   2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot

#1 Pot
 Also Known As:
   #1 Container
    1 Gallon
 Plant Age:
   ~ 1 - 2 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 10"-14"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 7"H x 7.75"W
 Volume:
   2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot

#2 Pot
 Also Known As:
   #2 Container
    2 Gallon
 Plant Age:
   ~ 1.5 - 3 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 12"-18"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
 Volume:
   1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot

#3 Pot
 Also Known As:
   #3 Container
    3 Gallon
 Plant Age:
   ~ 2 - 4 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 12"-30"
 Pot Size:
   ~9.5"H x 11"W
 Volume:
   2.32-2.76 gallons


For more detailed information, please click here.

Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)

Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly. 

For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.

The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.

For more information, please click on our page below.

Guarantee and Warranty

Plant Shipping

Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.

Winter to Early Spring

We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.

Summer

If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.

Fall into Winter

We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!

Winter

Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!

Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information. 

Click here for more detailed shipping information.

Planter Shipping

Standard Colors: 2-3 business days

Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice

Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations