- 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:
- MATSTQT
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
Also Know 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
Also Know As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 1 year old
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Know As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 year old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Know As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 year old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Know As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2-3 year old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Know As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 3-4 year 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 Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
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
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.
