Ostrich Fern

Light Needs

Full Shade to Full Sun

(Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions)

Mature Height

3-6 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 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.