Matteuccia Struthiopteris, or Ostrich Fern, is a cool climate ground cover or edging plant grown in shade gardens, woodland areas, and along streams. It grows up to 5 feet tall and is hardy in zones 3-7.
Matteuccia Struthiopteris Ostrich Fern
Matteuccia struthiopteris, also known as the ostrich fern, is a large, hardy fern that is native to North America and Europe. It is a popular choice for woodland gardens and shady areas, as it can tolerate low light conditions. The ostrich fern is known for its large, arching fronds and its ability to grow in moist soil.
Opens in a new windowwww.gardenia.netMatteuccia struthiopteris Ostrich Fern
The ostrich fern is a very easy-to-care-for plant. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in a variety of soil conditions, including full sun to partial shade. It is also deer and rabbit resistant. To plant an ostrich fern, simply space the plants 3-5 feet apart and water them well. Once established, the ostrich fern will require very little care.
Here are some tips for growing Matteuccia struthiopteris Ostrich Fern:
- Plant in well-drained soil.
- Water regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
- Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Remove dead or damaged fronds in the spring.
The ostrich fern is a great choice for a variety of landscape applications. It can be used as a groundcover in shady areas, to edge flowerbeds or walkways, or to grow in woodland gardens. The ostrich fern is also a popular choice for planting under trees and shrubs.
Here are some ideas for using the ostrich fern in your garden:
- Plant the ostrich fern as a groundcover under trees and shrubs.
- Use the ostrich fern to edge flowerbeds or walkways.
- Grow the ostrich fern in a woodland garden.
- Plant the ostrich fern on a slope or bank to help prevent erosion.
- Use the ostrich fern to create a border around a vegetable garden or other planting area.
- Plant the ostrich fern in a mass planting to create a bold visual statement.
The ostrich fern is a beautiful and versatile plant that is easy to grow and care for. It is a great addition to any garden.
Safety Guidelines
- The ostrich fern is a non-toxic plant and is safe to grow around children and pets.
- However, it is important to note that the ostrich fern can be attractive to bees and other pollinators, so it is important to be careful when mowing or trimming the plants.
- It is also important to wear gloves when handling the ostrich fern, as the sap can irritate the skin of some people.
Growing Zones: 5-8 outdoors
Mature Height: | 8-12 ft. |
Sunlight: | Full-Partial |
Mature Width: | 4-6 ft. |
Botanical Name: | Hibiscus syriacusm |
Growth Rate: | Moderate |