Royal Fern

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Shade

(0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 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.