The Ostrich Fern, scientifically known as Matteuccia struthiopteris, is a popular, versatile plant for garden landscapes. Its distinctive form and lush appearance make it a sought-after addition for shaded areas. This graceful fern transforms spaces into serene, verdant retreats. Gardeners appreciate its ability to create a natural, woodland feel with minimal effort.
Why Ostrich Ferns Excel in Landscaping
Ostrich Ferns excel in landscaping due to their striking appearance and practical benefits. They produce tall, arching, feathery fronds, 3 to 6 feet high, unfurling in a vase-shaped clump reminiscent of an ostrich’s plumes. This robust habit allows them to form dense colonies, providing ground cover and vertical interest. Beyond their beauty, they offer strong resistance to deer and rabbits, making them a reliable choice. Once established, they are low-maintenance, appealing to gardeners seeking effortless elegance.
Optimal Growing Conditions for Ostrich Ferns
Ostrich Ferns thrive in conditions mimicking their natural woodland habitat. They prefer partial to full shade; dappled sunlight is ideal, as direct sun can scorch fronds. Consistent moisture is paramount; they prefer moist soil rich in organic matter with good drainage. Soil pH should be acidic to neutral (5.0-6.5). These hardy perennials are suited for USDA hardiness zones 3-7, with some varieties extending to zone 9 in cooler climates.
Designing with Ostrich Ferns
Ostrich Ferns offer many design possibilities for shaded areas. Their vigorous spreading habit via underground rhizomes makes them excellent for mass plantings, creating a lush, green ground cover that suppresses weeds. They fit naturally in woodland gardens, where their tall, arching fronds contribute to a serene, forest-like ambiance. They can also be strategically placed along shaded borders, providing a soft, verdant backdrop for other shade plants, or used to define spaces and create natural screens. Their preference for moist conditions makes them ideal near water features like ponds, streams, or in rain gardens, where they can thrive and help stabilize soil.
Pair them with companion plants that complement their texture and form while sharing similar light and moisture needs. Hostas, with broad leaves, create a striking contrast to the fern’s feathery fronds. Astilbes and bleeding hearts add pops of color and different textures, enhancing visual interest. Early spring wildflowers like trilliums, bloodroot, trout lilies, and Dutchman’s breeches can be planted among them, filling in as ephemerals fade. Virginia bluebells, sweet fern, and elderberry varieties are also suitable companions, contributing to a cohesive and vibrant shade garden.
Ongoing Care for Ostrich Ferns
After establishment, Ostrich Fern care involves consistent moisture and managing their spread. They require regular watering, especially during dry spells, to prevent browning and wilting of fronds. Applying organic mulch around the plants helps retain soil moisture and enriches the soil as it decomposes. While generally low-maintenance, their vigorous spreading nature can make them aggressive, potentially outcompeting other plants.
To manage their expansion and maintain desired garden aesthetics, division of the rhizomes is often necessary. This can be done in early spring or fall to control their growth and propagate new plants. Pruning is generally not required, as old fronds naturally shed; however, removing dead or damaged fronds in late fall or early spring can improve the plant’s appearance and make way for new growth. These ferns are relatively resistant to most pests and diseases, though monitoring for slug damage, particularly in moist conditions, is advisable.