A hardy deciduous fern producing elegant lime green fronds which unfurl gracefully in spring, giving the plant a shuttlecock-like appearance. Easy to grow and awarded an RHS AGM, the shuttlecock fern makes a fabulous architectural addition to borders, woodland gardens and the edges of ponds. Growing best in moist shady areas, this large fern, also known as the ostrich fern, is superb for tricky damp areas of the garden and is incredibly low-maintenance. Slowly spreading by underground rhizomes, Matteuccia struthiopteris is also a good groundcover plant. Height: 1.2m (4'). Spread: 1m (3'). Supplied in a 9cm pot.
Height Up to 120cm (48in) Spread Up to 100cm (39in)
1 x 9cm Potted Plant (11411) 2 x 9cm Potted Plants (KB6097) 3 x 9cm Potted Plants (80927)
Gradually acclimatise shuttlecock ferns to outdoor conditions over a period of 7 to 10 days. Grow ostrich ferns in a fertile, moist but well drained soil, in partial or full shade. They prefer a neutral to slightly acid soil which is rich in organic matter. Incorporate plenty of well-rotted manure or compost prior to planting to improve heavy clay or light sandy soils. Plant ostrich ferns at the same level as they were in the pot and firm in, watering well to settle the soil.
Water fern plants regularly during periods of hot and dry weather. Remove dead fronds in early spring and apply a mulch of well-rotted manure or compost around the crown of each plant. Overcrowded clumps of Matteuccia struthiopteris plants should be lifted and divided in early spring.
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