- Full Shade to Partial Shade (0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 2 - 3 Feet
- Mature Spread 2 - 3 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
Ferns are the backbone of any good woodland garden scheme. The Royal Fern, Osmunda regalis, will give you the height and drama that a shady spot needs to be noticed. The delicate fronds of Royal fern grow taller than other varieties before opening, giving them an almost ethereal feel to early spring in the garden. Ferns are also useful when designing Rain Gardens or for planting along streams.
The Royal Fern has a very vigorous and upright growth habit, making for fast naturalization in a woodsy garden. Although Ferns look best planted in large groups, Royal Fern would be right at home as the thriller element of a mixed seasonal container scheme. The heavily dissected fronds are a fabulous contrast to plants such as Fuchsia and Hosta.
Royal Fern Care
Ferns like a spot that has partial to full shade and well-drained, moist soil. Royal Fern will tolerate full sun in the lower hardiness zones where summers may be cooler. Soil moisture is the most important consideration in growing ferns. Heavily mulching in the winter will not only help to protect the crowns, it will improve the moisture holding abilities of the soil. Eventually helping the ferns to survive drier and hotter periods without extra irrigation.
Ferns maintenance is very simple. No pruning is needed. The Royal Fern dies back to the ground each winter. Cleaning up the dead fronds in the spring will keep the plants tidy. The fronds make the perfect mulch after they have been chopped up small and spread thinly around the base. Additional fertilizing is rarely needed if mulch is being used on a regular basis. Dividing of Ferns every 3-4 years will help them to remain vigorous.
Royal Fern Spacing
Spacing of Royal Ferns when planting in large numbers is recommended at 4 feet, center on center. They are quick growers and will fill in large areas fast. Give these Ferns a 6 foot diameter when planting other perennials or bulbs near them. Otherwise the smaller plants may be covered by the full-grown Fern.
Royal Fern Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
Plant Type: Perennials |
Light Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade (0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 2 - 3 Feet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 2 - 3 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer, Rabbit |
Tolerates: Drought, Salt |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest |
Brand: |
Common Name: Royal Fern |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: OSMUNDA REGALIS |
- SKU:
- 1000394-pc
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.
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.