Matteuccia

Matteuccia - Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia's are beautiful ferns which really steal the show in spring. Be aware though, they form underground rhizomes and can spread vigorously. Give them plenty of space, or install a root barrier. The new plantlets are easily harvested and planted elsewhere in the garden. Matteuccia is suited to any normal to moist soil in (half)shade. Cut back the ugly foliage after the winter. Matteuccia is ideally suited to the woodland garden. The species 'orientalis' forms shorter rhizomes and is maybe better suited to the smaller garden. Planting dark leaved Ajuga between and underneath really accentuates Matteuccia nicely.