Matteuccia struthiopteris
Ostrich fern
Common names: Shuttlecock fern
At a glance
- Light
- Shade
- Pot size
- from 50 l
- Lifespan
- Perennial
- Hardiness
- Hardy
- Origin
- Native to Germany
Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
Description
The ostrich fern forms funnel‑shaped leaf rosettes of deep green, finely feathered fronds that resemble an upright feathered bush. Over time it spreads via creeping runners, creating larger clumps, making it well suited as a groundcover in damp shade. The young, still rolled frond shoots are called fiddleheads and are considered a delicacy in some regions, though they should not be eaten raw. At a garden pond, under shrubs or in a shaded border, it adds a calm, structured accent with its symmetrical growth habit.
Care instructions
The ostrich fern prefers constant moisture; water regularly during dry summer weeks, especially at sunnier sites. A mulch layer of leaf litter or bark humus keeps the root zone cool and retains moisture. Because it spreads by runners, give it space from the start or install a rhizome barrier if you wish to limit its spread. Remove wilted fronds in late autumn or early spring close to the ground; new fiddleheads appear from mid‑April (week 16). It requires little fertilizer; a single compost application in spring is sufficient.
The care notes were machine-translated from German.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
moist, humus-rich, well-drained, nutrient-rich
The ostrich fern loves moist, humus-rich soil, as found on stream banks and in open woodland. It tolerates waterlogging at times, but does not like permanently dry or very calcareous soils at all. Improved generously with leaf compost, it thanks you with vigorous growth and rich green fronds. A partly shaded spot with even moisture is ideal.
Feeding
Medium feeder
Months
Apr, Jun
In spring, the ostrich fern welcomes an application of mature compost, spread around the root zone. A mulch layer of leaves or composted bark keeps the soil moist and at the same time slowly releases nutrients. A second, light application of compost in early summer supports the growth of new fronds. This undemanding woodland plant does not usually need more.
Overwintering
The ostrich fern is hardy in Central Europe and needs no special protection in most locations. In very harsh locations or with young plants, a mulch layer of leaves over the rhizome helps cushion frost without snow cover. The fronds die back in autumn and can be left standing as natural winter protection before you cut them back in early spring.
Propagation
Methods
- Division
- Runners
The easiest way to propagate the ostrich fern is by dividing the rhizomes in early spring or autumn. To do this, dig out a clump and separate strong rhizome pieces, each with at least one frond bud. Replant the pieces straight away in a moist, humus-rich spot and keep them evenly moist while they establish. Through underground runners, the plant forms new clumps by itself over time anyway.
For your garden
Grow Ostrich fern yourself
Gartenkern tells you when frost is coming, when to sow and when to harvest, for your location.
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