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Majestic broad fronds of the Royal Fern at a water's edgeFerns

Osmunda regalis

Royal Fern

royal fernmoisture-lovingnative fernlarge fernpond margin

The Royal Fern is the largest native fern in Europe and looks truly regal with its broad, elegantly arching, bipinnate fronds that can reach two metres tall. In summer, brown spore-bearing plumes appear at the tips of some fronds, giving the plant a flower-like appearance. In autumn, the foliage turns beautifully bronze to golden yellow.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Partial shade
Water
High
Height
100–200 cm
Spread
80–150 cm
Hardiness zone
3–9
Family
Osmundaceae
Evergreen
No
Wildlife value
ground-nesting birds, insects

Care guide

Plant in partial shade in wet to moist, acidic, humus-rich soil. Royal Fern grows best at pond margins, stream banks, and in boggy garden areas. Never allow the soil to dry out. The plant slowly builds a raised rootstock. Avoid calcareous soils.

Pruning tips

Remove old, dead fronds in early spring before new growth appears. The fern requires no further maintenance and can thrive for decades in the same spot.

Good companions

Funnel-shaped rosette of bright green fronds of the Ostrich FernFerns

Matteuccia struthiopteris

Ostrich Fern

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.

Partial shadeHigh
Pink feathery plumes of astilbe in a shaded borderPerennials

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
Large blue-green hosta leaves in a shaded gardenPerennials

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