Ostrich Ferns
Where to Grow Ostrich Ferns
Ostrich Ferns, also called Fiddlehead Ferns or Shuttlecock Ferns (scientific name Matteuccia struthiopteris), are popular landscaping plants because of their impressive size, graceful feathery appearance, and low-maintenance care.
Where to Grow Ostrich Ferns
One of the determining factors in your success growing Ostrich Ferns is planting them in the correct location. An advantage to this plant is that it can thrive with little or no attention once established. However, if you plant it somewhere where conditions aren’t right, your fern won’t be able to reach its full potential.
Ostrich Ferns grow best in temperate climates. They like to be planted in partial to full shade, with consistently moist soil. They are not picky about soil and are resistant to most pests and animals.
Ostrich Fern’s Native Habitat
Matteuccia struthiopteris is a deciduous fern from the northeastern and central regions of North America. It is native to shady woodland areas that don’t get too hot and dry even during the summer. They can be found as north as Newfoundland and as far south as Arkansas. They are considered to be hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7.
Light
Ostrich Ferns do well in shady, cooler areas that get dappled or indirect light. Their delicate fronds can become brown and dry if they are in too much hot sunlight. But they can tolerate a sunnier location if the ground is moist and the temperature isn’t too high.
Water
Ostrich Ferns prefer a lot of moisture. Be sure that you are planting them where the soil stays moist even during the hottest days of summer. Many people choose to locate Matteuccia struthiopteris near a water source; such as a stream, pond, or ditch. This plant is a good choice for locations where the soil is too wet for other plants to thrive.
Growing
Growing and Spreading: Be sure to account for the full size of this plant when you’re choosing where to place it. They can be 3 or more feet tall and equally wide at their full size. Allow room for it to grow, so it doesn’t get too crowded. Also, know that Ostrich Ferns are prolific- they reproduce via wind-borne spores and their underground rhizomes.
After it has established a root system, the growth can be rapid and unexpected. Therefore, to limit the spread of your Ostrich Ferns, plant it in a bed or where the landscape restricts it naturally. On the other hand, if you want to encourage this plant in multiple areas, you can propagate it by division in the early spring when the fiddleheads first emerge.
Preventing Erosion
Interestingly, you can use Ostrich Ferns to help stabilize areas where wet ground is prone to crumbling. River or creek banks benefit from their network of interconnecting rhizomes that slow or prevent further erosion once the ferns are established.
Where Not to Plant Ostrich Ferns
Ostrich Ferns dislike too much sun and heat, as well as wind, so planting them in an open field or full-sun garden will probably lead to their untimely demise. Likewise, if you locate them somewhere that isn’t naturally wet, you will have to supplement their watering to keep them from drying out. By choosing the appropriate location to plant your Matteuccia struthiopteris, you will be rewarded with enthusiastic growth and lush, beautiful greenery.
