Bring the Beauty of Ostrich Ferns to Your Garden

Transform your shady garden spaces with the elegant Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris). This offer includes 20 individual rhizomes/roots, ready to establish and flourish into a stunning display of feathery foliage. These ferns are known for their upright, arching habit and ability to create a lush, green backdrop in any setting. Ostrich Ferns are perfect for adding texture and visual interest to woodland gardens, shady borders, or naturalized areas. These roots, once planted, will bring your garden to life.

Ostrich Ferns typically grow to a height of 2-3 feet in cultivated gardens, but can reach up to 6 feet in their natural, moist, and cool habitats. The finely dissected, vegetative fronds resemble ostrich plumes, providing a unique and captivating aesthetic. Their easy-care nature makes them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. These ferns are deciduous, meaning they will lose their fronds in the fall, only to return with renewed vigor in the spring. The Matteuccia struthiopteris is a wonderful addition to any garden.

Benefits of Planting Ostrich Ferns:

• Adds Texture and Height: Creates a visually appealing backdrop with its feathery fronds.
• Easy to Grow: Thrives in average, medium to wet soil with minimal maintenance.
• Shade Tolerant: Perfect for filling shady areas where other plants struggle.
• Deer Resistant: Generally avoided by deer, making it a worry-free addition to your garden.
• Naturalizes Easily: Spreads gradually to form a beautiful colony, enhancing the natural landscape.

Ostrich Ferns thrive in part shade to full shade and prefer consistently moist, rich soil. They pair beautifully with other shade-loving plants such as astilbes, hostas, trilliums, and bloodroot, creating a harmonious and visually stunning garden display. Planting them alongside early spring wildflowers adds a touch of seasonal charm and extends the beauty of your garden throughout the year. The Ostrich Fern rhizomes are hardy in zones 3-7, ensuring they will thrive in a wide range of climates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How deep and far apart should I plant the Ostrich Fern rhizomes? Plant the rhizomes about 2-3 inches deep and space them 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate growth and spread.
2. What type of soil is best for Ostrich Ferns? Ostrich Ferns prefer rich, well-draining soil that is consistently moist. Amending your soil with compost or peat moss can improve its moisture retention and nutrient content.
3. How much sunlight do Ostrich Ferns need? Ostrich Ferns thrive in part to full shade. Avoid planting them in areas with direct sunlight, as this can scorch their fronds.
4. How often should I water my Ostrich Ferns? Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Water deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil doesn’t dry out completely.
5. Are Ostrich Ferns invasive? While Ostrich Ferns can spread through their rhizomes, they are not considered highly invasive. You can control their spread by dividing the rhizomes every few years.