How tall do Ostrich Ferns get?
Matteuccia struthiopteris, commonly called ostrich fern, is a clump-forming, upright to arching, rhizomatous, deciduous fern which typically grows 2-3′ tall in cultivation, but may reach 6′ tall in moist, cool climates in the wild. Ostrich ferns are perennial plants that die back above ground as winter approaches. They return in the spring, growing from the underground rhizomatous root structure.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.For Ostrich Ferns to create their signature, enchanting display, plant them in a shaded area of your garden. They are a perfect choice for adding a touch of woodland charm and flourish in well-drained, moist soil. Be sure to protect them from any intense, direct sunlight, which can easily scorch their delicate fronds.Companion Plants Ostrich Fern pairs well with many other native and shade plants, such as, Sweet Fern (Comptonia peregrina), Astilbe (Astilbe spp. Large White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum), Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) or Hostas (Hosta spp).
How fast will Ostrich Ferns spread?
How fast does an ostrich fern grow and spread? Ostrich ferns are fast-growing, and their fronds can reach their full height of four feet, sometimes taller, within weeks. They can spread up to one foot in a year. The trunks themselves are incredibly slow ‘growing’ however as they are made up of the growth from previous years. A three foot tree fern is usually in excess of 36 years old!How fast does an ostrich fern grow and spread? Ostrich ferns are fast-growing, and their fronds can reach their full height of four feet, sometimes taller, within weeks. They can spread up to one foot in a year.Regular pruning is unnecessary for ostrich ferns, as they naturally shed old fronds. However, removing dead or damaged fronds can enhance the plant’s appearance. In late fall or early spring, you can cut back old foliage to make way for new growth.Planting in moist, well-drained soil with adequate shade is essential. Regular watering during dry spells and occasional fertilization can help maintain vigorous growth. Ostrich ferns can also be propagated by dividing established clumps in early spring or fall, ensuring a steady supply of these captivating plants.
Are Ostrich Ferns aggressive?
Ostrich fern isn’t a fern for all gardens, since it can be aggressive in its spreading nature, but when planted in an appropriate site, it’s quite extraordinary. Prune Evergreen Ferns in Late Winter or Early Spring: Evergreen ferns shouldn’t be pruned in the fall, because you absolutely want to keep those green fronds through winter. However, you can cut back any brown fronds that you see, which are part of the ongoing dying and regeneration of leaves.Divide the ferns every few years in the spring to maintain healthy growth and prevent overcrowding. Cut back the fronds in the fall after they have turned brown, and remove any dead or damaged fronds throughout the growing season.Fern Winter Care in Pots Allow the plant to dry out before bringing it indoors. Choose a cool location such as a basement or garage to store the plant. It is best to keep the plant out of direct sunlight. The plant will be dormant for the season and will only need watering once a month.Fall is truly the perfect season to plant ferns. Cooler weather gives them time to establish strong roots before all the new leaf growth of spring and summer. Most ferns are evergreen, which means you’ll enjoy their beauty well into autumn. And here’s an added bonus, they’re usually deer resistant!Ferns are resilient perennials, thriving for over 100 years with proper care. They reproduce through spores, influencing growth and energy use unlike flowering plants. Moist soil and indirect light are essential for healthy fern growth and longevity.
Do Ostrich Ferns have deep roots?
Ostrich ferns thrive with rhizomatous roots, growing deep and wide for nutrients. Consistent moisture is vital; dry soil can harm sensitive roots. Most ferns develop shallow root systems, so shallow pots or pans are best. To maintain the proper balance of root systems and space, some ferns, depending on growth rate, need repotting several times a year.Ferns generally grow best in slightly acid soils which contain plenty of organic matter. Good soil conditions can be created by digging to spade depth and incorporating liberal quantities of coarse peat moss, well-rotted leaf-mould or compost.While it’s true that most ferns are happiest in some level of shade, there are varieties that can take some sunlight, particularly the cooler morning sun. Then there’s the matter of water. Again, most ferns will grow pretty well in moist soil, but others like it on the drier side.If we cut back fronds in late winter or early spring, the fern only needs to use these energy reserves for a short period of time before new fronds emerge, allowing for photosynthesis to begin again.
Which fern grows the tallest?
With its very large vase shape, Ostrich Ferns create very dramatic vistas wherever they grow, often reaching 6 feet in height. Ferns are different from mosses in that they have developed true roots, and xylem and phloem to transport water and materials throughout the plant. This vascular system allowed ferns to tower over mosses and grow to heights never before seen on earth–growing above 2′ was a big deal.Ostrich fern isn’t a fern for all gardens, since it can be aggressive in its spreading nature, but when planted in an appropriate site, it’s quite extraordinary.Tree ferns can live for hundreds of years, some of the oldest ones are in Cornwall, been planted for over 100 years. The trunks were used as ballast in ships coming back from Australia then given to gardens to plant.Soft Tree Ferns (Dicksonia antarctica) can be cut above the soil and then replanted as they can regrow their roots from their trunk.