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Matteuccia struthiopteris is native to North America and grows quite well in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-7. Once established, it will grow to a height of three to six feet (1 to 2 m.) with a spread about the same. Ostrich fern grows in vase-shaped clumps called crowns. The showy, arching, sterile fronds are plume-like and reminiscent of the tail feathers of the bird from which the common name is derived.
When growing an ostrich fern, you’ll notice other, shorter fronds that emerge a few weeks after the initial fiddleheads. These are the fertile fronds that produce spores for reproduction. These fertile fronds are much shorter, only 12-20 inches (30.5 to 51 cm.) long, and will remain standing long after the larger fronds have died back in dormancy.
There are no special tricks to learning how to grow ostrich ferns. While they can be grown from spores, it’s best to order plants from a reputable grower. Your plants will usually arrive as dormant, bare roots packed in moss or wood shavings and are ready for planting. Ostrich ferns should be planted in a shallow hole that has plenty of room for spreading roots. Make sure the crown sits just above soil level. Fill in around the roots with any average soil and water well. Take care of ostrich ferns for the first year or so by watering regularly. Don’t expect too much at first, and don’t panic if the plant appears to stop growing. An ostrich fern’s first priority is to establish a hardy root system. Sometimes the fronds begin to grow and then die back several times during the first season. Once established, the plant spreads easily through underground rhizomes and will soon fill in the space provided. The care of ostrich ferns is mostly cosmetic and consists of cleaning up debris during the dormant season. They’ll appreciate a little fertilizer once in a while and, of course, water frequently and well during the occasional drought.
Read more at Gardening Know How: Ostrich Fern Info: Learn More About How To Grow Ostrich Ferns https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ostrich-fern/growing-ostrich-ferns.htm
Current Hours
in-store shopping closed until March 1, 2024
Seth H. Richards
The Boss
Locally owned and Family Operated Since 1932.
Dr. John Richards established Richards Tree Farm in Middle Smithfield, PA as an evergreen farm. Building on those roots, his Great Grandson, Seth Hastings Richards, has grown the farm into a full service Garden Center and Landscape installation business for the past 25 years. The farm specializes in Organic Gardening, Edible, Native, and Unique plants.