Ostrich Fern

Ostrich Fern  (Matteuccia)

Ostrich Ferns (Matteuccia) 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. Ostrich Fern is suited to any normal to moist soil in (half)shade. Cut back the ugly foliage after the winter. Ostrich Fern 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 Bugle (Ajuga) between and underneath really accentuates Ostrich Fern nicely.