Cristata royal fern
Osmunda regalis 'Cristata'
RHS AGM 1997
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size2 to 4 feet tallup to 4 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Notes
'Cristata' royal fern (Osmunda regalis 'Cristata') is a fern for accents, shade gardens, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It grows 24 to 48 inches tall with an arching habit and a moderate growth rate. It is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, though hungry ones will eat almost anything. Give it room to arch.
Pairs well with Cinnamon fern, Cardinal flower, and Sedge.