Ostrich Fern

ostrich fernmoisture-lovingwoodland gardenlarge fernspreading

Ostrich Fern is a majestic fern with large, elegantly arching, bright green fronds that mimic the shape of ostrich feathers — hence the name. The fronds can reach 150 centimetres tall and form a beautiful, funnel-shaped rosette. In autumn, separate dark brown fertile fronds appear in the centre of the plant. The fern spreads via underground runners.

See in your garden

Characteristics

Sun: Partial shade
Water: High
Height: 80–150 cm
Spread: 60–100 cm
Hardiness zone: 2–8
Family: Onocleaceae
Evergreen: No
Wildlife value: ground-nesting birds, insects

Care guide

Plant in partial shade in moist to wet, humus-rich soil. Ostrich Fern absolutely cannot tolerate drought — keep the soil permanently moist. The plant is ideal for stream banks, woodland edges, and damp borders. Runners can spread quite readily; remove unwanted plants in spring.

Pruning tips

Cut away old, brown fronds in early spring before new fiddleheads unfurl. Leave the fertile fronds if you wish the fern to spread, or remove them for a tidy appearance.

Good companions

Large blue-green hosta leaves in a shaded garden

Perennials

Hosta sieboldiana

Hosta

Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.

Full shadeMedium50–90 cm

Pink feathery plumes of astilbe in a shaded border

Perennials

Astilbe × arendsii

False Spirea

False Spirea is an elegant shade plant with feathery plumes in pink, red, or white above deeply cut foliage. It blooms from June to August, and the plumes retain their ornamental value even when dried. Astilbe thrives in moist, shady spots where many other plants struggle.

Partial shadeHigh50–100 cm

Green fronds of the male fern in a shaded garden

Ferns

Dryopteris filix-mas

Male Fern

The male fern is a robust, native fern that forms a stately funnel of bipinnate fronds. The foliage is bright green and elegantly arching, creating a lush atmosphere in shaded garden areas. The plant is semi-evergreen to evergreen and tolerates more drought than most ferns. A reliable choice for shade borders and woodland gardens.

Partial shadeMedium