Matteuccia struthiopteris – A Graceful, Hardy Fern with Lush, Feathery Fronds
Matteuccia struthiopteris, commonly known as Ostrich Fern, is a striking deciduous fern that adds a touch of elegance and texture to shaded or woodland gardens. Known for its large, arching fronds that resemble the plumes of an ostrich's feather, this fern reaches a height of 150 cm. The lush, feathery foliage creates a soft, graceful look, making it an excellent choice for providing ground cover or enhancing shaded borders.
In spring, the plant produces fiddlehead-like emerging fronds that unfurl into beautiful, bright green foliage by summer. The fronds have a distinctive, feather-like appearance, creating a soft, elegant contrast with other plants in the garden. Ostrich Fern is perfect for planting in moist, well-drained, shaded areas, where it thrives in the cooler, more humid conditions typical of woodland environments.
Why Grow Matteuccia struthiopteris?
Feathery Fronds – The graceful, arching fronds resemble ostrich feathers and create a delicate, textured effect in the garden.
Ideal for Shaded Gardens – Matteuccia struthiopteris excels in shaded, moist environments, making it perfect for woodland gardens or areas with limited sunlight.
Hardy & Low Maintenance – This fern is hardy and easy to grow, requiring minimal maintenance once established. It is a reliable addition to any garden, providing year-round interest with its lush foliage.
Attractive Ground Cover – The fern’s dense foliage makes it an excellent choice for ground cover, helping to suppress weeds while creating a soft, textured base layer for other plants.
Wildlife-Friendly – As a native fern, it provides shelter and habitat for various wildlife, including insects and small animals, making it a valuable addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.
Planting & Care Guide
Position: Matteuccia struthiopteris thrives in full to partial shade. It prefers cool, moist conditions and is ideal for planting under trees, along woodland edges, or in shaded garden beds.
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It flourishes in rich, humus-filled soil, and benefits from regular moisture throughout the growing season. Well-drained soil is essential to avoid root rot, though it does like consistent moisture.
Watering: Water regularly to maintain consistent moisture in the soil, particularly during dry spells. Ensure the soil remains moist, but avoid waterlogging, as this can damage the roots.
Maintenance:
Pruning is minimal for Matteuccia struthiopteris, as the fern naturally dies back in the fall. Remove any dead or brown fronds in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature extremes. Apply a layer of mulch in early spring to help regulate soil temperature and moisture levels.
Fertilizing is generally not necessary unless the soil is poor in nutrients. If desired, a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring can encourage healthy growth.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Matteuccia struthiopteris pairs beautifully with other shade-loving plants like Hostas, Astilbe, Lungwort (Pulmonaria), and Heuchera (Coral Bells), creating a lush, layered look in woodland or shaded garden settings. It also complements other ferns, such as Dryopteris (Wood Fern) or Polystichum (Soft Shield Fern), where the varied textures and shades of green create a harmonious, naturalistic appearance. For added contrast, combine it with flowering shrubs like Rhododendron or Pieris (Andromeda) to create a striking display of color, form, and texture.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
