Product Description
Osmunda regalis Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Royal Fern, flowering fern
- Height: 3-6 Feet
- Spread: 2-3 Feet
- Hardiness Zone: 2-10
- Part Shade to Shade
- Deciduous
- Native to Eastern North America
- Slow spreading by rhizomes
Osmunda regalis, commonly known as royal fern, is a deciduous fern that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a member of the Osmundaceae family and is closely related to the cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea).
Green, erect fronds have large leaflets, are different from other more lace-like ferns. Fertile pinnae form at the tips of fronds giving it a flowering appearance. Royal fern can reach 6' over time if constantly moist, in average conditions it will grow 2'-4' tall.
Osmunda regalis thrives in rich, moist, acidic, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. Sun exposure requires consistent moisture, as the plant is not particularly drought tolerant. A light application of fertilizer in the spring will help it to grow strong.
Bright fern for the shade garden, woodland areas, stream, and pond banks. A host plant for the comma butterfly and a decorative element in floral arrangements.
Royal ferns can be propagated by division or by spores. Division is the easiest method. To divide, simply dig up a mature plant and separate the roots into several sections. Plant the sections in new locations.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
