There’s no doubt that the large size of the Ostrich Fern, aka Matteuccia struthiopteris, is one of the defining features that gardeners love. This fern makes an excellent backdrop for the showier plants in your collection and stands on its own as a stately showpiece.
The typical height of this fern in cultivation is around 2-3 feet, while wild specimens frequently reach 6 feet or taller. To make the most impact with Ostrich Ferns, here are some tips on how to grow the biggest and tallest possible specimen.
Location, location, location.
Location will be the single most crucial factor for getting your Ostrich Fern to grow to its maximum size. Because the location you choose for this plant will determine what conditions it gets year-round, therefore will also determine how big it will eventually get.
Choose a spot with partial sun and consistently moist soil. Although it does well in darker areas, an Ostrich Fern that gets some sun should grow faster than one that’s in full shade. Most importantly, the chosen space should provide ample water, so your Ostrich Fern’s roots never dry out.
Space to grow
Be sure that you have provided your Ostrich Ferns with enough room to stretch out. While they are often planted alongside houses or with other plants, the recommended amount of space between plants is at least 5 feet. An Ostrich Fern can reach sizes up to 8 feet wide on the larger side.
‘The King’ Cultivar
The Ostrich Fern cultivar, Matteuccia struthiopteris “The King,” is marketed as having a maximum height of 7 feet and tolerant of hot and humid climates than a normal Ostrich Fern. It could be the right choice if you’re looking to maximize the size of the Ostrich Ferns in your garden.
Winter Maintenance & Mulch
As a perennial, Ostrich Ferns die back in the winter and then re-emerge in spring when the weather starts to get warmer. You can cut back the dying foliage before winter hits and use them to mulch around the crown of your Ostrich Fern for extra protection over the winter months.
Patience
During the first year or two, your plant may not seem to be growing very well. A robust root system needs to establish before it can devote resources to growth aboveground. In fact, some fronds may die back and then regrow during the first growing season. It is natural, so don’t give up on your Ostrich Fern at this point.
By the third growing season, your Ostrich Fern should be well-established and ready to display its full potential. Given the right conditions and some time, Matteuccia struthiopteris will reward you with stunning plumage that grows to impressive heights.
There’s no doubt that the large size of the Ostrich Fern, aka Matteuccia struthiopteris, is one of the defining features that gardeners love. This fern makes an excellent backdrop for the showier plants in your collection and stands on its own as a stately showpiece.
The typical height of this fern in cultivation is around 3 feet, while wild specimens frequently reach 6 feet or taller. To make the most impact with Ostrich Ferns, here are some tips on how to grow the biggest and tallest possible specimen.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.
Location will be the single most crucial factor for getting your Ostrich Fern to grow to its maximum size. Because the location you choose for this plant will determine what conditions it gets year-round, therefore will also determine how big it will eventually get.
Choose a spot with partial sun and consistently moist soil. Although it does well in darker areas, an Ostrich Fern that gets some sun should grow faster than one that’s in full shade. Most importantly, the chosen space should provide ample water, so your Ostrich Fern’s roots never dry out.
SPACE TO GROW
Be sure that you have provided your Ostrich Ferns with enough room to stretch out. While they are often planted alongside houses or with other plants, the recommended amount of space between plants is at least 5 feet. An Ostrich Fern can reach sizes up to 8 feet wide on the larger side.
WINTER MAINTENANCE AND MULCH
As a perennial, Ostrich Ferns die back in the winter and then re-emerge in spring when the weather starts to get warmer. You can cut back the dying foliage before winter hits and use them to mulch around the crown of your Ostrich Fern for extra protection over the winter months.
PATIENCE
During the first year or two, your plant may not seem to be growing very well. A robust root system needs to establish before it can devote resources to growth aboveground. In fact, some fronds may die back and then regrow during the first growing season. It is natural, so don’t give up on your Ostrich Fern at this point.
By the third growing season, your Ostrich Fern should be well-established and ready to display its full potential. Given the right conditions and some time, Matteuccia struthiopteris.
